
n;iss L^ '-tl 3 
Book ' . ( Ai^- 



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/ 

EEPORT 

CHIEF SI&ML OFFICER ARMY OF THE POTOMAC. 

PREVIOUS TO AND DrRING THE 

CAMPAIGN ON THE PENINSULA, VIRGINIA, 

RENDERED TO 

MAJOR GENERAL GEORGE B. McCLELLAN, 
OCTOBER 21, 1863. 



WASHINGTON, D. C, 

1864. 



HKPoirr 



OKFICK OF THE SIGNAL OFFICKll 

Wasiiixctox, 1). C, October 21st, 18()2. 



Genekai. 



The Chief Signal Ofilcer, then sei'ving at llend- 
(jiiartei's Department of Virginia, was, by Special Orders, Xo. 2() 
( Pa[)er A), directed to report for duty, at the Headquarters of the 
tlieii Division of the Potomac, on August 14th, LS(M. 

Tliis order was consequent upon information whieli had been 
received, that our forces, on the F[)i)cr Potomac, needed inten-om- 
munication between the diiferent divisions ; and, also, to the fict 
that attention had been called, at that part of oui' lines, and along 
our front before Washington, to the telegraphic lield-signals of the 
enemy. 

The General commanding the then Divisi(>n of the J'otomae, re- 
^[uired a signal line to connect the right of his army with the forces 
surrounding Washington. 

Orders to this effect, were ]'eceived on the same day, verbally, 
from the General commanding the Arm}', and by the letter hei'e- 
with, from the Assistant Secretary of War (Paper B.) 

The organization of the Signal Corps of the Aiiny of tlie J'oto- 
mae, vvas commenced on the issue of the order herewith (Pi^per C. ) 

On this order, officers and men were collected from various I'cgi- 
ments, and were gathered at small camps of instiuction, which 
were formed at ]*oolesville. Md., then the headcpnirters of General 
Stone; on the top of Sugar Loaf ]\[ountain in Maryland; and at 
lla.gerstown, then the headquarters of General P)anks. 

These camps were respectively in eliarge of Lieutenants Theo. 
S. Dumont, ."ith New York \'o]s., and Acting Signal Ofhcer; Kvan 
Th<>mas. 4tlj Artillerv, ['. S. A., and Actiirr Si-nal Ojheer ; and 



JjPnnftV'l I". Ilepi^nrn, -lili Xow ^ oi-k \ ols. mikI Actiiiu' Signal 
Officer; who. instruetcJ and pivvionsly servin,!j,'at Foi'ti-ess Monroe. 
\i\., had been ordered to aid in the formation of this])art_v. 

Tlie course ol' instruction in signal duty, was commenced at the 
cam])s meutioned ; while the offi(;ers there stationed, had commu- 
iiicaiion by signal betwe^en them. 

On the 31st of August 18()1, the Central Signal Camp of In- 
struction was established, at "lied Hill," Georgetown, 1). C. 
(Papers D and K.) 

The detachment of oflicers and men, detailed for signal dutj'. 
from the J^ennsvlvania Reserve Volunteer Corps, and on examina- 
tion, aj^i^roved for instruction, was the first received at the camp. 

On the 12th of September, 1861, the approved officers and men 
of the detachment from the Upper Potomac, were here concentrated. 
The next day, the new cam}) was organized ; the courses of in- 
struction were decided upon, and the Central Signal Camp of In- 
struction in Georgetown, became the school for all the Acting- 
Signal Officei's in the Arnw. 

For the successful management and control of this camp of in- 
struction, much credit is due to the efficient co-operation of the 
then 1st Lieutenant Simuel T. Gushing, 2d Infantr^^, U. S. A.. 
and Acting r'ignal ofiicer ; who, from the day of its formation, 
until it Wiis abandoned, associated with the Chief Signal Officer, 
labored :^ealousl3' and with perseverance, to fit the officers and men 
there under instruction to honorably bear their parts in the cam- 
])aigns of the War, then just opening. 

The organizing, instructing, disciplining, and retaining for ser- 
vice the Signal Corps of the Army of the Potomac (from which 
all other detachments of the Signal Corps in theU. S. have direct- 
Iv or indirectly sprung), was attended with many circnmstances of 
interest, and many of difficulty. It was a work of no ordinary 
toil, to originate and to put in the lield, in the time of such a war, 
a corps before unknown. There were duties to be performed in 
the face of prejudices which were childish ; and in spite of oppo- 
sitions born of ignorance. The narrative of these early days, and 
the recital of the modes in which, step by step, the Signal Corps 
won way. will form a part of a general report of the Chief Signal 
Omcer. 

At die Siu'ual Cami^ of Instruction, the officeiv and men were 



tiu^glit the manual of the Hguiil apparatus ; and th-ej were practised 
l(.» send messages, of any kind, and of any number of words, by 
telegraphie signals. 

The apparatus used, is now well known to the General con> 
manding. It is suhicient, therefore, to say that, by the motion of 
a single flag, attached to a staff, lield and worked by the hands of 
one man, in the day; or, by the simdlar motions of alighted torch, 
(iistened to the statf instead oi' a flag, at night, a single man is con- 
verted into a semiphore, useful for any distances at which the signs 
made are visible, either with the naked eye, or with telescopes. 

The officers are instructed in Countersign Signals, by which to 
distinguish friendlj^ regiments; and in the employment of colored 
li<;'hts and rockets as sio^nals. 

Tiiey were habituated, by constant use, to the management of 
the telescopcw They were taught the drill of the flagman. They 
learned to ride ; and were instructed how to provide for themselves 
and their parties in the field. They were taught^ some duties o'l 
reconnoissance. They were fresh from civil life, — it was aimed to 
give them something of the feelings and habits of soldiers. 

It was, from the beginning, the intention to place in charge of 
this Corps, the Fljdng or Field Electric Telegraphs, for use upon the 
field of battle ; or, in the immediate presence of the enemy. These 
were to be similar, in their general construction, to those telegraphic 
trains, at a later day, brought into use on the Peninsula. 

The efforts to procure these trains were thwarted, to some ex- 
tent, by the action of persons who seemed to greatly desire that all 
the duties of electric telegraphy should be in the hands of civilians; 
and, in part, perhaps, by the hesitation of officers in authority to 
become responsible, by favoring it, for the success of what was 
then an experiment in our service. I did all I could to obtain 
authority and the means to proper!}' fit such trains to accompany 
the army on the march. In the eai-ly days of the war, I could not 
obtain the asked permission to organize a partv, nor to draw on 
the department for supplies. Later, when I submitted plans and 
further requests on this subject, they were either not answered, 
or received non-committal replies. Estimates, accompanying my 
Annual Report of November 10th, 1862 ( Paper M ), were not 
acted upon. 

AVith embarrassments of this nature, the work could not be 



6 

successfully carried on. It was only when the army was fairly in 
the field, that the plans began to receive some favorable attention 
and some support (Papers B, F, G, H, I, K, L, M, N). 

One train was, however, partially completed; and the officers of 
the Corps were familiarized with its use. This was the first mova- 
ble telegraphic train of which there is record, as made for the 
United States Army. 

COUNTERSIGN SIGNALS. 

On October 17th, 1861, the order (No. 29, paper C), for the 
adoption of countersign signals, in the Army of the Potomac, was 
issued at the suggestion of the Chief Signal Officer. To acquire 
a thorough knowledge of the use of these signals, to procure and 
issue the necessary supplies, and to instruct the assigned officers, 
in the two hundred and fift}" i-egiments and organizations, com- 
prised in the Army of the Potomac, occupied much of the atten- 
tion, and employed much of the time of the forming Corps, until 
late in December. The iheor}^ of these signals was good; the 
apparatus was convenient ; the modes of making the signals were 
practicable. Experience has shown, howeverthat, in a new army, 
these signals will not be safely used, unless an organized corps of 
signal officers accompany such an army. The failure of Congress 
to organize a Signal Corps during the session of 1861-2 led, on 
the recommendation of the Chief Signal Officer, to the suspension, 
in October, 1862, of the use of countersign signals in the Army 
of the Potomac. They were of practical use on some few occa- 
sions; and, it is probable, beneficially influenced the army insofar 
as by leading the men to presume that signals would always dis- 
tinguish their enemies from their friends. They prevented the 
stampedes and panic-firings which, by their sad results had, early 
in the war, so moved the nation. I am of the opinion that, with 
the improving organization on of the Armies of the United States, 
this use, first tested in the Army of the Potomac, will be perfected 
and made general. 

OUT-roST. AND SCOUT-SIGNALS. 

In December, 1861, the Chief Signal Officer was ordered to 
prepare a place for Out-post and Scout-signals ; or signs by which 
troops upon out-posts, and with scouting parties, might recognise 



t'rienJly furceii -These signals were, lor seme months, used along 
the lines in front of, and near Washington, and afterthe Army had 
taken the tield, on the Peninsula. The very general use attempted 
to be made of them, in so great an army, was ahva^'s of doubtful 
value. There was danger that troops widely separated, of different 
intelligence, and of different nations, could not be rightly instructed. 

The proper emplovment of signals of this character is for es 
pecial occasions, and for especial trooj^s. Their use (from the 
beginning neglected), was formally abandoned wdiile the army was 
near the Chickahominy, in June, 1862. 

Early in January, 1862, the force in the Signal Camp of In- 
struction, at Georgetown, D. C, was largely increased by a detail 
of three ofticers and six men, ordered from each bi-igade of the 
Army of the Potomac, v\diich had not previously furnished its 
quota. Fifty per cent, of the officers thus ordered, failed to I'epoi't. 

THE OKiniX OF THE SIGNAL C'OKPS OF THE AKMY. 

The officers and men detailed for signal service, manifested interest 
in the study of their duties; and, as a corps, eai'ly obtained an 
advanced preparation. The character of tlieir employment attracted 
much attention. Small signal parties had been ^eft stationed at 
Poolesville; on Sugar Loaf Mountain; and at Seneca. Maryland. 
These points wei'C in dail}' communication. The simplicity of the 
apparatus (with which the officers conversed) ; their power of com- 
municating at distances of many miles, and in the night as well 
as in the day ; the incomprehensible orders given by the oliicei^s 
to the flagmen; and the seeminglj' more incomprehensible evo- 
lutions with the flags and torches were, in and out of the army, 
subjects of ceaseless comment. 

Like comment was elicited by the w^ork of the officers, sent out 
to practice in the vicinity of AVashington, and who were found, 
at all hours of the night, as \vell as the day, scattered about the 
country, miles from the camp, on towers, or on prominent heights, 
busily telegraphing, and with airs of sage importance and mys- 
tery, messages as lessons of practice. In the newspaper-history 
of the war, the Signal Camp of Instruction will be found to have 
a special mention. 

The organization of the Signal Corps of the Army Qf the Poto- 
mac, tiif^n tlie ("irand Armv .-.f tlip riiitcd Stntrs. Ivcanv; a fact of 



eeneral kuuvvledgc, Ab odioi' Jimiies were lonijed,.oi- expedili<.)iis 
were prepared, skilled officers and men, sent from the parent camp, 
formed with these armies. With the offi(;ers and men. l)y them 
instructed, the different detachments of the Acting Signal CoVps, 
which, serving in the various geographical department^^, have car- 
ried the signal fliig in so many fields in this war. The details fur 
this purpose, from the Army of the Potomac, were as follows : 

dp:taciiments. 

Early in the month of October, 1801, the expedition of the 
combined Land and naval f(M'ces, afterwards styled the " Port Royal 
Expedition," was contemplated. On the application of General 
T. W. Sherman, commanding the expedition, the Chief Signal 
officer was ordered to detail signal officers to accompany it. 

A party of seven signal officers, with fourteen men, equipped, 
commanded by Lieutenant E. J. Keenan, 11th P. P. V. C-, acting 
sio-nal officer, joined the ex]?edition for duty, a few days before it 
sailed from Annapolis (Paper 2). 

The brilliant success of this party, achieved by the gallantry 
and the labor of the officers and men accompanying it, contributed 
to the success of* the expedition, and to the advancement of the 
Corps. The detachment of the Signal Corps, now serving in 
South Carolina, had hence its origin. 

In December, 1861, an application was made by Major General 
Buell, then commanding the Department of the Ohio, for a detail 
of sio-nal officers, to be sent to him. There was some vacillation 
about the movement of this party, — the order to send, and to retain 
it beino-, ibr a time, alternative. At last, however, a detachment 
of five officers and ten men, equipped, was sent to General Buell 
(Paper R). 

The Signal party now commanded by Captain. Jesse Merrill, 7th 
P. R. V. C. and acting signal officer, and serving with General 
Rosecrans, in the Departmen-t of the Cumberland, took its origin 
from this detail. 

The difficulties encountered by this party, in the unfiivorable 
character of the country ; the situation and condition of the forces; 
the want of experience of the officers accompanying it ; and the 
semi-officitd opposition of other officers, wdio knew nothing of ita 
duties, have not been surpassed. Tliat the Corps, throughout all 



ite tliU'icultit's, inaiiitaiued its organization, and lias attained tlie 
position it now holds, undfr ( lenei-al Rosecraiis, lias jiroved soiriC 
intrinsic value in its duties ; and, much vnei'it in the olficers who 
organized and composed it. 

A tew davs befoi-e the sailing of the "Burnside Expedition "' tor 
North Carolina, tliere was received the application, made bv Gene- 
ral Burnside, for a signal })arty to be detailed to his ai'my, and 
the order to make the detail, 'i'liivt' otl'icers and ^'ix men c(|uippcd, 
and commanded by Lieutenant Jose})h Krickci', Sih J^. H. V. (A, 
and acting signal oliicer, reported at Annapolis, to accompany this 
expedition (I'a}ier S). A class of twenty-two otficci's, was thei'e 
detailed, and its in .truction commenced. At this time there was, 
in the liands of the Chief Signal Officer, to supply the win 1 ' Army 
of the I'^uited States, the sum of two hnndrcd and eighty dollars 
and ninety-four cents f§208,9'i] (Paper 'J'). 

Such scantv e(pii})ments as could be gathered, were hui-ricd to 
this party, as it was end)arkinu' fi'om Annapolis. !t accompanied 
the expedition. 'I\venty-iive oificers with their men, were crowded 
in one small schooner. They were di'iven oif the coast, in the 
gale wdnch so severely damaged the Burnside fleet ; and among 
their earliest experiences in the service, was that of a sea-voyage, 
of three weeks' duration, from Fortress Monroe Uy Ilatteras. 

Arriving, at last, at Ilatteras, they were at once in action, at 
Koanoke Island. 'J^'lie care with which the usefulness of this party 
was developed, by (jeneral Bniaiside, was ivpaid by its services 
in every engagement in his department. It originated the pre- 
sent Signal Corps now in Xortli C.irolina. 

On the 16th of JNIarch, 1862, after the return of the Aimy of 
the Potomac to Alexandria, following the e\aenai!on of .Nbmassas, 
two detachments, each of three olTicei's and six men e«piippcd. and 
supplied with extra stores, wereordered to rej)oi't, the one in ehai'gc 
of lieutenant J. B. Ludwick, 9th P. K. \'. C. and acting signal 
officer, to Major (jleuera' W. F. llalleck, then ctnnmanding the 
Department of the Mississipj)i, at St, Louis; the other, in charge 
of Lieutenant E. H. Pn^sell. Olh P. P. V. C. aid rctii'g sipi al 
otficer, to Major (jenei'al !>. F. ibiller, commanding thf department 
of tlie Cull' (Paper F). 

I'lie pai1\- rrpo; ting !o ( lciici-al Ibillcrl-; foi'nicd. under the ordcr> 



10 

ol' that oll'icer, a class oC twriitv olVircrs ;iiiil roi'hnu'ii. 'I'liis pai'tv 
was instructed, equipped, and prepared to talve the Held. A de- 
tachment from it, served at Fort St. Charles, White River. 

At the time the whole })ai'ty was rejjorred fur duty in the liehl, 
and for some weel-cs after, the Army of tlie Mississijipi lay bcrci-c 
Corinth. The country was unfavorable for their operations, and 
it was, perhaps, not contemplated that that army was to move ; or 
that there might be service on the banks of the Mississippi and 
the incnrrent I'ivers. The officers comj^osing the party were 
ordered, by the (ieneral commanding, to rejoin their regiments; 
and the organization was thus, on the 30th of June, 1862, broken 
up. The operations of the Fall and AV inter of 1862-3, have made 
it necessary to repeat the labor of the past Spring, and to instruct 
and form anew the party of the Mississippi Valley. 

The detachment detailed for the Department of the Gulf I'eached, 
after many delays, the headcpiarters of General Butler, after the 
capture of New Orleans. A party was organized and instructed 
for service in this ])epartment. It served successfully at the battle 
of Bayou-la-Fouche. It constitutes now a part of the Corps 
serving under General IST. P. Banks. 

ViX)\n the date of the first order (paper C), in August, 1861, a 
jiarty (*f eight officers and sixteen men, commanded by Lieutenant 
W. AV. Itowley, 28th New York A^ols. and acting signal officer, 
was left to serve with the forces under General Banks. During 
the Fall, and through the AVinter, and until the advance of the 
forces of that General into the A^alle}^ of the Shenandoah, this 
party held stations of observation and communication on Maryland 
Heights, on the Heights at Point of Rocks, on Sugar Loaf Moun- 
tain, at Poolesville, Aid. ; and on the ridge at Seneca. (Paper A^.) 
The labors, and the usefulness of this part}^, elicited the warmest 
thanks of the General under whom it served. 

Early in February, 1862, a movement of the forces under Gene- 
ral Hooker, on the lower Potomac, was contemplated. They were, 
it was said, to cross the river, for an advance upon the enem}^ A 
detachment of eight officers and twenty-five men, equipped and 
mounted, commanded by Lieutenant B. F. Fisher, 3d P. R. V. C. 
and acting signal officer, reported to General Hooker for service in 
the expected engagement (paper AA'). 



n 

The I'ueinv nlnuidoiied ihcir Itntteries bef(.)re an attack wns made, 
ami rlic ri\-t'r was ci-ossed wiilioiit (ijij»()sition. The pariy rejoined 
the main Army of tlie Potomac in ^Vloxandria, in April, and ac- 
companied it to the Peninsula. 

M()\'KMi:X'r OF THE CORP.S TO ACCOMPANY THE ARMY. 

In the early days of March, 1862, tlie improved condition of the 
roads indicatins; that a movement of the Armv would he soon 
practicable, the Corps was mobilized, as shown in orders Nos. 20 
and 22 (papers X and U), herewith. The organization was as indi- 
cated in papers Y, Y, and Z. 

At midnight, on the 9tli of March, 1862, the order (paper A') 
of the General commanding the Army, directing the Corps to take 
the field, was received at the Signal Camp of Instruction. At 1 
A. M., on the 10th of March, an order (paper B') was received, 
directing the field-telegraph trains to be on the Little River Turn- 
])ike, ready to move with the Commanding General at daylight. 
This train had not been completed, and was not ready for the field. 

The camp was struck before daylight. 

On the evening of the lOtli of ]\[arch, the difterent sections had 
either arrived at the points indicated in Special Ordei's No. 41 (C), 
herewith, or were so near those positions, that the chiefs of sections 
had reported in person to the difi'erent Generals. One section alone 
was prevented, by impassable roads, from reporting before day- 
light, on the morning of the 11th. The headquarters of the Sig- 
nal Corps were established on the night of the 10th, at Fairfax 
Court House, Ya. 

On the morning of the 11th, information was received, that the 
enemy had evacuated Manassas, and were rapidly falling back 
towards the Pappahannock. On the morning of the 12th, signal 
stations were established on the heights at Centerville, and among 
the ruins, yet smoking, at Manassas. The advance station, at 
Manassas, in charge of Lieutenant J. B. Ludwick, 9th P. P. Y. C. 
and acting signal ofhcer, was some miles beyond our pickets, and 
with no guard. These stations were held, with some risk, and 
much labor, while the Army lay at Fairfax Court House. 

An effort was made to connect Manassas Junction and Union 
Mills, b}' a line of signals. The attempt failed, because it was 



12 

found that to do so, would requii'e more stations than officers, 
could be spared to comroand. 

In the reconnoissances made by the signal officers of our Army, 
there was found a station occupied by the signal officers of the 
I'ebel army before and at the time of the first battle of Manassas. 

There is, perhaps, no qountry better formed by nature for the 
successful use of signal communication than on and near this bat- 
tleliehl. It was a subject of regretful remembrance, that the 
Army of the United States had not secured for it, on that field, 
such aid as signals might have given. 

On ]\[arch 14th, headquarters of the Army of the I'otomac 
were established near Alexandria, Va. I'he detachments of the 
Signal Corps were quartered in that village. 

BATTLE OF W]NC11ESTKK. 

While the army lay here, the report of the battle of Winches- 
ter, fought by Gen. Banks, in the A'alley of the Shenandoah, was 
received. Mention of this battle is made in this re]>ort for the 
reason that the corps commanded by Gen. 15anks was, .at that 
time, a part of the Army of the Potomac, and that the Signal 
Cori)s serving with him was a I'lart of that originally formed for 
that army. Stations were established in this action on the right, 
the left, and the centre of the line engaged; aud also to the rear, 
comniuuicatlng with the general commanding at AV inchester. 

'^i'he full reports of Lieut. Rowley, 'i^ith New York A'olunteers, 
and acting Signal Officer, and his officers, (])apers Nos. 42, 43, and 
44.) herewith, clearly dehne the positions taken by themselves on 
tliat Held, aud the services they rendered. Lieut. Rowley has 
especially mentioned, in his report, the names of Lieutenants David 
A. Taylor. 3d New York Artillery, aud acting Signal Officer; S. 
1). Byram, KUh Indiana Volunteers, and A. S. 0.; J. II. Spencer, 
1st Minnesota Volunteers, and A. S. O.; J. II. Fralick, 34th New 
York Volunteers, and A. S. ().; F. N. Wicker, 28th New York 
A^oiunteers, and A. S. O.; L J. Harvey, 2d P. P. V. C, and A. S. 
O.; B. N. Miner, 34th New York A^)lunteers, and A. S. O.; E. A. 
BrigR-s, 43d New York A^olunteers, and A. S. O.; and K. L. Ilal- 
^^1^'(l. 4(lth New ^'ork Volunteers, aud A. S. < ).. lur their parts at 
l!ii,- h;ittl<'. 



18 

The letter of Gen. Shields (^papcr E) has reference to this battle. 

The officers and men of this detachment again elicited the offi- 
cial commendation of Gen. Banks, on the retreat from the A^alley 
of the Shenandoah. 

This Signal party, as was the case with that commanded hj 
Lieut. Wilson, detailed to the corps commanded by Gen. Mc- 
Dowell, served with the army corps to which it was attached 
throughout the summer, and until, in September, the forces in 
front of Washington were consolidated in the Army of the Poto- 
mac for the defense of that city. 

The last days of March were days of labor. The Signal Camp 
of Instruction was abandoned. The detachment of instructors 
(of which mention has been made) was formed, and ordered to the 
armies of Generals Ilalleck and Butler. 

The office of the Signal Officer was, at the suggestion of Capt. 
Samuel T. Gushing, 2d Infantry U. S. A., and A. S. O., placed in 
charge of that officer, who well arranged and superintended its 
duties while the army went through the campaign of the Penin- 
sula. The Signal Corps of the Army of the Potomac was partially 
organized. A detachment of officers and men was assigned to each 
Army Corps. The lahft equipments for the field and camp were 
completed; and the Corps was then ready to cxccompany any 
movement of the Grand Army. 

Whatever time was else unemployed, was given to the vigorous 
practice, in signals, of those whose short experence, at the Camp 
of Instruction, had rendered this practice necessary. As the em- 
barkation took place, at Alexandria, the Signal officers of each 
army corps were distributed among the vessels carrying those 
corps. 

The aid they gave, in the regulating, by the rapid telegraphing 
of messages, the embarkation of the forces; the facility with 
which the movements of the loaded transports were, through them, 
directed ; and the precision they were able to cause in the arrange- 
ments for the debarkation of the great bodies of troops, at the end 
of the voyage, were subjects of pleasing surprise, and of favoralj'e 
comment, official and unofficial, among the numerous Generals, and 
other Officers, who were witnesses. 

Especial mention was made, I am informed, by Major-General 



14 

Fitz Jolin Porter, of tlie services reiulered, on this voyage, Ly the 
Signal detachment, which, commanded by Lieutenant H. L. John- 
son, 5th Connecticut Volunteers, and A. S. O., accompanied the 
forces under General Porter. 

The detachment serving with General lleintzleman was so well 
appreciated, that a detail from it was sent back, by that General, 
from Fortress Monroe, to aid in tlie sailing of the divisions under 
General Hooker ; which, then belonging to Heintzleman's corps, 
were to sail at a later date. 

The Signal officers accompanying the corps commanded by 
General Keyes, on the voyage down the Potomac, were much em- 
ploved. The Signal detachments commanded by Lieutenants N. 
Daniels, 3d Wisconsin A^olunteers, and A. S. ()., and F. Wilson, 
5th P. R. V. C, and A. S. 0., and assigned respectively to the 
corps commanded by Major-General Sumner and Major-General 
McDowell, did not accompany the movements of the Army of the 
Potomac at this time. 

On March 31st, the headquarters of the Army of the Potomac, 
on board the steamer " Commodore," moved from Alexandria. A 
reserve party of seven officers, with their flagmen, accompanied 
them. The enlisted men of this party, the horses, stores, and 
wagons, with the extra stores for the Coi-ps of the Army of the 
Potomac, were, on the same day, shipped on board a sailing vessel. 
On the evening of April 2d, the steamer "Commodore" arrived 
at Fortress Monroe, A^'a. 

On April 3d, the headquarters of the Army of the Potomac 
were nominally stationed a mile north of Hampton, Ya. But very 
few tents were pitched, however ; and this camp could hardly, 
with propriety, be styled one. 

During the movement down tlie river, it had been made known 
that a movement, of combined land and naval forces, against 
Yorktovvn. was intended. As soon as headquarters had moved 
from the steamer '' Commodore," an interview was had with Com- 
modore Goldsborough, then commanding the fleet near Fortress 
Monroe ; and arrangements were made to send a detachment of 
Signal officers and men on board the flotilla, then under orders to 
sail for York river, under the command of Conmiodore Missrooi\ 

On the next day. the arm}- transport, with stores, etc., arrived. 



15 

•A night of liai'tl kibur sutTiced to diseliarge her; nnJ early on the 
foUowing niorniiig, the reserve Signal detachment, fully equipped, 
with its stores and means of ti-ansportation, was ready ibr the 
lield. A detachment of three ofHcers and six men, connnanded 
by Lieutenant J. W. DcFord, 11th P. E. Y. C, and acting Signal 
Officer, was ordered to the fleet. A few hours" i-est was gi\en to 
men and horses, yet stitf from the voyage; and at sunset, on the 
oth of April, the party m<n'ed tovvaixis the front. A rapid night- 
march, over roads crowded with immense trains of wagons, and 
through fields, to avoid obstacles else impasstUjle, and part of a 
day's toil through deep mnd, on narrow ways, incumbered with 
the impediments of a great ai'mv, brought the party, on the after- 
noon of Aprd 6th, to the camping ground, neai' l)r. Powht's house, 
of 'the first regular camping ground of heachpiartcrs ol' the ^\i-niy 
of the Potomac, made on the J'eninsula, in time to pitch its tents 
with the first there pitching. 

The general a<Ivunee of the Army of the J^otomac had been 
made on April -Ith. On that night, headquarters 1)ivouacked at 
Big Bethel. On the following night, they occupied a few uncom- 
fortable sheds of a rebel cantonment, near the now selected encanq:)- 
ment. 

In the general advance of the army, the army cci-ps under (rcne- 
ral Keyes moved upon the James river side of the J^eninsida ; and 
after heavy skirmishing, touched the enemy's lines at Lee Mills, 
near the Warwick rivei'. 

The country into which the army cor])s moved, was almost 
unknown to our Generals: it was flat, and covered witli dense 
forests. The low foi'mation of the gi'ound, and heav\ rains, had 
made it swampy. Through this, roads, nearly ini])assablc, led. 
Ou all the march, the detachment of the Signal Corps, serving 
with these forces, under Lieutenant B. F. 1^'isher. was on dut^'. 
There were no elevated pcjints, whence general observation ct)uld 
be had; and the character of the country made signalling imi)os- 
sible. The duties of such temporary recoimoissances as wei-e made 
by scouts, in such cases, devolved upon the Signal oificei's. The}'- 
were among the first to follow the devious roads; to recognise the 
presence of theenemy : to study, with their telescopes, his strength 
and movements; arnl to liastcn to i-cj.or!, as wril ;is ihe\ cou'il,' 



16 

such facts as ihey were able to note, to tlie Generals with whom" 
they served. 

The advance of this column was checked near the line of the 
AA''arwick river; and General Keyes established his headquarters 
at AVarvvick Court House. 

The column, under General Heintzleman, moving on the York 
side of the Peninsula, passed through a country difficult, indeed; 
but both more open and better drained than that penetrated by 
the forces nnder General Ke3'es. The division of JMajor-General 
Fitz John Porter constituted the advance of this column; and 
after minor encounters with the enemy, in which they precipitately 
fled, it came under fire, and was checked by the guns and works 
of Yorktown. The duties of Signal officers accompanying this 
column, were, as with the other wing of the array, those of explo- 
ratit)n and reconnoissance. 

General Ileintzleman established his headcpiarters at the Saw 
Mill, near the head of AVormley Creek, on the Hampton road. 

On the 6th of April, a number of our fleet appeared, in the 
bay, off" Yorktown. A few exchanges of shots with the enemy's 
batteries bearing on the river front, convinced the naval com- 
manders that, with wooden vessels, the}' could not pass between 
Yorktown add Gloucester; nor could they encounter, without dis- 
aster, the heavy metal and plunging fire of the enemy's guns. The 
fleet drew out of range, and anchored, in the roads, about three 
and half miles from Yorktown. 

THE SIEPtE of YOKKTOWX. 

Our forces were in this position, when, in headquarters' camp 
No. 1, near Yorktown, it was first made known that the corps 
commanded by Major-General McDowell had been withdrawn 
from the Army of the Potomac. The hope, felt by many, that 
this corps was, in some way, to turn the enemy's defensive line, 
at Yorktown, fell. At the same time, reports were received of 
reconnoissances made along the tines in front. Earthworks seemed 
to be formed everywhere; and everywhere bodies of the enemy, 
vigilant, and of unknown numbers, resisted any threatened assault. 
There were heavy rains, and the mud grew deeper. A siege was 



17 

bcroniiiiL!' inevitalile. <_)ii the iUth of April, headcjiiartoi's" or.mp 
iiiovrd to camp AVintield Suott, in front of Yorktown. At about 
this date, the armj corps commanded by General Sunmci- ai'ri\-ed. 
The Signal detachment connnandcd by Lientenant N. Daniels, A. 
S. (.)., accompanied this corps. 

In the bay, below Yorktown, at an estimated distance of from 
three to four miles from headquarters' camj), and in sight, lay the 
co-operating fleet; of which the United States ship " Wachusett" 
was flag-ship. From the shore of this bay, southerly, to nearly 
the banks of James river, the Army of the Potomac was stretched, 
buried in thick woods, and so hidden that rarely could more than 
a di\'ision be seen together; and often not more than a regiment 
was visible from any one point of view. 

The rebel works reached through a light country, from the 
works of Yorktown proper, to near the navigable waters of the 
AVarwick river. To pass from the right to the left of our lines, 
following the narrow and winding earth-roads, and the miles of 
corduroyed ways, through the woods, was a journey of several 
liours; daring which, we came by surprise, as it were, upon regi- 
ments and brigades of soldiers, encamped here and there in the 
forests; and batteries of heavy field artillery, in position among 
trees and shrubs, and bearing, often, upon an enemy, whose lines 
and forces, hidden by other trees and slirubs, were invisible. 
Along all this line, there was the picket-firing of both musketry 
and artillery. On the right, between the works at Yorktown and 
the fleet below, desultory shots, of enormous weight, were thrown 
to and fro, from rifled ordnance and 11-inch guns. On land, along 
the front, if a ventursome picket, or curious signal-man, of either 
army, showed himself within gunsliot, or climbed a tree for obser- 
vation, he was lirecl at as game. If a grouii was ofathered together 
anywhere, it was customary' to disperse it with a shell from a rifie 
gun. The appearance of an officer, with a telescope, or with any 
instrument of reconnoissance, rarely failed to elicit this attentic^i. 
On the left, the rebel gunboat " Teaser " would now and then creep 
\\p the Warwick, from the James river, and trj^ the ranges of her 
heavy guns upon tlie ])oints where her commander sup])osed oar 
camps might be. With the excej^tion made by tlie opening of the 
trenches, and the placing of our siege batteries, (only one of which 



18 

ever opened fire) tins state of aftairs was vvitliout cLange llii'oiigli- 
out the siege. There were some skirmishes, occasionally artillery 
duels, and the affair of the ''Burned Chimnej^s/'or Lee's Mills. 

Scattered along this advanced line, were the stations of the Sig- 
nal officers ; and their duties brought them, every day, upon and 
near it. It thus happened to them, serving in their tui'ns in 
front, that so many of this number came to be, at different times 
during the siege, exposed to the enemy's sharpshooters ; or, what 
was by for more common, to the lire of his artillery. Wherever 
stations were known, or sup})osed to be, the enemy, day after day, 
directed practice shots : either with guns from their batteries, or, 
as it once or twice happened, with lighter pieces, brought lor the 
purpose. 

In the list of officers, whose names I had the honor to lay before 
the General commanding, in my report of June 26, 1862, a copy 
of which is herewith, (sub-report No. 1) there is, I believe, no one 
who was not, at some time during the siege, exposed, and near the 
enemy. The courage and persistence with which some of these 
officers held the posts to which they were ordered, though in dan- 
ger day and night, for weeks togetlier, was worthy of commenda- 
tion. 

With the army thus located, the Chief Signal Officer early 
found cause for regret, that official indifference had prevented the 
construction of the field-telegraph trains, with which it was at first 
intended to equip the Signal Corps. 

With trains of the character of those now in use with the Army 
of the Potomac, it would have been easy to have connected, in 
one da}^ after their arrival, before Yorktowii, the principal head- 
quarters of the army. The insulated wire would be even safer 
running through the woodland, than when extended by the side 
of roads. There were no field-telegraph trains with the army. 

On the 7th of April, in obedience to an order of the General 
commanding, telcgra|)hic communication, by signals, had been 
opened with the fleet, the detachments of Signal officers, ordered 
at Fortress Monroe, having on that day joined it. The shore sta- 
tion, known as the headquarters' station (No. 1), was at a barn, 
near camp Winfield Scott, From this day, until the close of the 
sie^e, there was, by day and night, a transfer of messages to and 



19 

from the flag-ship of the fleet, a constant watch observed, at once, 
<of the signals made by either those afloat or on shore. The letters 
of Commodores Missroon and Smitli, (paper ¥ and G) herewith, 
liave reference to the usefulness of this station. 

In dense fogs; in rain; and sometimes, when the ilag-ship, 
moving down the river, was shut out from view, this communica- 
tion failed. To provide for these contingencies, another station 
(No. 7) was o])ened, at a house n[)on the shore of the bav, at the 
boat hinding of the fleet. This station was to send messages 
which could not be sent direct from the headquarters" station, it 
was sometimes used for conferences and conversation, by signals, 
between the naval olTicers on the fleet, and the olhcers of the army 
on shore. It was, likewise, in communication, when necessaiy, 
with headquarters' station ; and with the fleet. 

A station (No. (3) was, at dilferent times, in the progress of the 
siege, established at the Farenholt House, at the mouth of Worm- 
ley Creek. It was intended to communicate, by signals, to the 
fleet, in any sudden danger that might arise at this point; and to 
transmit, to the headquarters' station, the knowledge gained, Irom 
observations made here. This station was little used. 

When, on the 30th of April, the siege battery of 100- an<l 200- 
pounder Parrott guns, which had been established at this i)lace, 
opened upon the works at Yorktown and Gloucester, Signal oiiicers, 
at this station, were communicating with others, ])laced at Moore's 
house, near Yorktown ; who thence reported the effect of the 
shots, in so far as they were able to note them. The Signal oflicers 
at the battery were, of course, exposed to the shots with which 
the enemy replied to the battery near which they were stationed. 
The signals were not permitted to be interrupted. 

The Signal officers at ]\Ioore's house wei-e directly in the line 
of both tires — the shells from the combatants passing high in the 
air, over their heads. This position, though one of little danger, 
was not desirable — some of the lai'ge shells falling short, and ex- 
ploding near it. 

A Signal station (No. 6\ ccmnccting with the fleet, had been 
opened at Moore's house, on April 7th. This point was chosen 
with a view to directing the Are of our naval guns, in the attack 
on Yorktown. then thought to be im[)ending: and. also, lor the 



juirpose of momentarily informing the fleet of tlie progress of our 
land foi'ces, whose assault was to be simultaneous. 

Moore's House, located on the bank of the York river, was, 
directly under the heaviest guns of Yorktov\'n, a mile distant. 
The beach, at the foot of the bank, on which the house was phiced.. 
was commanded by the waterd)atteiT, on the beach, at Yorktown. 
^^■ees, clustering along the top and water-edge of the bank, and 
reaching from near the enemy's works nearly to this house, offered 
a cover for rebel shai'pshooters. 1'his station was lirst visited, and 
long messages sent from it to the fleet, by a party of the Corps, on 
the third day alter the army arrived before Yorktown, and while 
the place was yet sonie distance beyond our pickets. As a station 
of observation and communication, this point was unrivalled. 
From it, one looked down, upon the works at Gloucester and their 
approaches, about two miles distant : upon the wharves and water- 
batteries of Yorktown, and the whole channel of the river and the 
bay, spread out in view. Indeed, there could be traced the out- 
line of the works at Yorktown proper; and there was had in view 
much of the open country between those works and our lines.. 
This place was now permanentlv occupied as a Signal station, com- 
municating with the station at headquarters. When the signal 
flag was first discovered bv the enemy, near this house, two light 
field-pieces weiv run u|) by them, in easy ninge: and the officers 
were driven from their stations bv iheir iii'e ; but ordv to return, 
as soon as the fire ceased. As the siege advanced, the fire, on this 
station, became more serious. Lieutenant Israel Thickstun, 83d 
Pennsvlvania A^'olunteei's, and A. S. O., was stricken senseless by 
a fragment of a shell, while serving on it. The shells were ver}'- 
frequently exploding near it — the station receiving many of the- 
shots aimed at our parallel in front of it. 1'he working was not 
reasonably tenable. The officers were instructed to shelter them- 
selves near Moore's house; and to make report, by signals, only 
in case of emei'gency. The station was thus held until the evacu- 
ation of Yorktown. Its occupation was of the most use in the- 
early days of the investment — when there were fears of a possible 
sortie of the enemy in that direction. 

A station of observation (Xo. 4), was established in a point of 
woods, south of Yorlctown, at the junction of the Hampton ancl 



Warwick roads. This staiion was a mile fi"orn the woi-ks at York- 
town, and yet nearer the enemj^'s work known as the Eed Ee- 
doubt. Communications hence, by signals, were sent to a signal 
station (No. 2) placed on the Saw Mill, at General Ileinlzleman's 
headquarters; and were tlience i-eported to headquarters' station. 
Another station of observation (No, 3), in like manner ivpeating 
its messages through station No. 2, at General Ileintzleman's 
lieadquarters, was established on the Warwick road, in a piece of 
woods, north of the cleared land in front of Lee's Mills, and near 
a small lunette, afterwards taken by our forces. The post of 
observation of the officers here placed, extended through a piece 
of woods, southerlv, to the open ground in front of Wymans' 
Mills. 

The position of these stations was easily discovered by the 
enemy. They were held through the siege, with much risk to the 
officers ordered upon them. It was necessary to keep the officers 
there posted on duty for several days in succession ; so that tliey 
might well know the localities of the enemy. The stations were 
hidden* from the view of the rebel gunners. The danger was of 
injury from fragments of the many shells thrown at the position 
during the thirty days they were occupied. A signal flag was 
displayed, in a tree, in sight of the enem}^ at station No. 3. The 
attempt to remove it was made hazardous by the enemy's mus- 
ketry. 

These completed the line of stations on the right. The dense 
woods covering the centre and left of the army, rendered signal- 
ling there impossible, except from artificial stations. Soon after 
the siege had commenced, the Chief Signal Officer was directed, 
by the General commanding, to cause signal towers to be erected, 
and to be occupied as stations of observation and for communica- 
tion, (if that was possible,) along the front. It was hoped, also, 
that, by observing, from such points of view, and reporting the 
ranges of the shot and shell, the fire of guns and mortars, soon to 
open on Yorktown, might be accurately directed. These instruc- 
tions were communicated to Lieutenant B. F. Fisher, A. S. O., 
commanding the signal detachment on the left of the army, and 
Lieutenant N. Daniels, A. S. O., commanding that with the centre. 

The sites for the towers, on these poi-tions of the lines, were at 



once selected by these officers ; lHi',i!;e woi'king ])arties i-epoi'tetl to 
them; and the work of constraction connnenced. On the right 
of the line, also, the positions for these towers were selected : and 
the timber for their construction was drawn from the woods, and 
sharpened. Of these towers, one (li) was to be on the shore of the 
bay, near Farenholt's house; a second (F) was to be on the high 
bank, near the dam crossing Wormley's Creek; the third (G), on 
the elevated plain near the Clark House, and near Camp Wintield 
Scott. None of these were, however, completed when the evacu- 
ation of Yorktown took place. 

A station had been built close to Camp Wintield Scott, in an 
immense tree. This was sometimes used for purposes of observa- 
tion. Oiher stations, on perches, were now made in trees, close to 
the trenches and batteries of our approaclies. From one of these, 
near Moore's house, and at a height of about eight}^ feet from the 
ground, could be had a distinct and close view of the enemy's 
works at Yorktown. 

At the centre, Lieutenant Daniels, A. S. 0., caused to be 
raised a lofty sti'ucture of logs (tower E), near our picket line, iu 
front of Lee's Miil.-^, and ovei"looking far the enemy's works there 
placed. This tmver was constantly o(,'cu])icd, by a detail of signal 
officers, as a station of obsei'vation ; and wliaicver facts could 
thence be noted, were reported to Cenend Sum)ier. It was often 
visited by other officei's. whose tluties were aided b}' the observa- 
tions here made. This structure was in close range of the enemy's 
guns. Though partial! v hidiien by trees, it might have been de- 
molished by them. They hesitated, however, to tire upon it; 
curious, as L have since been informed, to learn for what it was 
intended. Along the left of the lines, the parties commanded by 
Lieutenant B. F. Fislier, A. S. 0., erei^ti^d four tower stations. 
(Towers A, B, C, and 1).) Tliese suitions were occuj)ied, and com- 
municated with each oilier l)y signals. The positions commanded 
views of ])arts of the enemy's hues. The reports hence made vvei'e 
sent to general headcpiarters. Tlie enemy brought a light gun to 
bear upon one of these towers, and sometimes tired upon it; but 
they were neither able to sei-iously disturb its occupants, nor lo 
interrupt their labors. With this enumeration, have been men- 
tioned all the [)ermanent stations established during the siege. 



The duties of recoiiuoissaiice and ooumiLiiiicatioii, performed by 
Jthe ollicers of the Signal Corps, when not ocoupying these stations, 
have been befc^re r(;t(M'red io. There is further reference in the 
snb-reports, herewith (1, 18, 15, 22, 26, 31, 41, 4(3, 12). There 
was no day during the siege, but that they could be found in Iront 
of the enemy's lines, closely watching his works; and there was, 
in consequence, no day on which some of them were not exposed 
to the dangers ot this position. Of the character of the reports 
ir]ade and messages sent, by these officers, the General conmiand- 
ing had knowledge at the time. 

On the 16th of April, 1862, occurred ihc atl'air of the ''Burnt 
Chimney's," or Lee's Mills. Mention has ah-eady been made, by 
name, of the officers particularly engaged at this place. (Sub 
reports 1, 22, 36, 31, 40, make reference to it.) The messages sent 
by them, were sent at very short distances; and I have no reliable 
information as to their importance. They were useful, perha])s, 
in conveying intelligence which might, if otherwise sent, have 
necessitated the exposure of other olHcers. The observations 
reported by some of the officers, were made from toj)s of trees 
they had clind)ed f )r that ]_)ui-pose. 

In the last days of Aj)i'il, the division commanded by (jeneral 
Franklin arrived, on ti-ansports, at Shi[)])ing P(;int. These troops 
were kept on shipboard lor several days; as it was sup|)osed they 
were to be moved against tlie enemy at Gh)ucester. A detach- 
ment of five officers and twelve men, commanded by Lieutenant 
D. E. Castle, 19;h Lidiana Volunteers, and A. S. ()., was assiai'ned 
to duty with these fnves, and i'e])orted to General Fi'anklin, whose 
headquarters were then on shipl)oard. 

EVACrATION OF VOHKT.nVX. 

By the tirstdaysof May, oui- appi-oaclics wei-(> n(\-irlv coiiiplered, 
the siege and moi'tar batteries were in position, and the day v>'as 
reported fixed, on which they were to open hre. 

Lieutenant Neel states in his i-eport. herewith, (sub-report No. 
22,) that two days pi-evious to the evacuation of Yorktown and 
the main line of works — that is, on the morning of May 2, 1S62 — 
Lieutenant ITer/^ocr and hiniself reported to General Smitli. com- 



M 

maiKling iieui" Lees Mills, the evjieuutioii of the eneinv's main 
work, at that plaee. I am not informed tluit this message was 
sent to gCTieral headquarters. 

On the night of May 2, the unusual silence of the enemy so 
attracted the attention of the General conmianding, that, in a mes- 
sage ordered to the fleet that night, he mentioned that this silance 
might indicate an evacuation or sortie; and asked that a gunboat 
be sent to draw the enemy's fire. The gunboat " Marble Head"' 
moved up the river, near the batteries; and firing wpon them, 
drew a number of shots in reply. (Sub-report, No. 30.) 

On the morning of the 8d of May, a signal message was received 
from Lieutenant A. B. Jerome, 1st New Jersey Volunteers, and 
A. S. 0., (on station No. 8, near AVymar/s Mills,) that the enemy 
were destroying their barracks. This was not supposed to have 
particular bearing upon an evacuation. 

On the same afternoon, the enemy's fire opened, as usual, about 
sundown; and increased in rapidity after nightfall, until at niid- 
night the roar of artillery was almost incessant. Shot and shell 
were thrown in all directions, as tiiough fii-ed at random ; and with 
ranges wdiieh had rarely been reached before. 

Signals, with torches, at station No. 2, were prohibited by the 
General commanding, for fear of drawing the enemy's tire. The 
signals made from stations at the front (Nos. 8 and 4), were there- 
foi'e not answered ; and no messages were received. About mid- 
night a conflagration was observed in Yorktown. About 2 A. M. 
on the 4th, the firing ceased ; and between that time and daylight 
our troops entered the works. 

Soon after daylight, a message was received from Moore's house, 
announcing, "'Our flag flies over Yorktown!" 

The claim is made, by signal cflficei"s stationed at the towers, on 
the centre and left of our lines, that the first positive information 
of the evacuation of the woi'ks in front of them, was given by 
them to Generals Sumner and Keyes; with whom they were 
respectively serving. The report is stated to have been made 
from the tower near Wymau's Mills, at 4:80 A. M.; and from the 
tower in front of General Keyes at daylight. The reports of these 
oQicers (sub-reports 22, 26), are herewith. 

On both the centre and the left, signal officers went into the 



works with the first troops that occupied them ; and, sigiudHng 
back reports, gave positive assurance of the absence of the enemy. 
About 7 o'clock A. M., a message from the General commanding 
announced to the fleet the evacuation of Yorktown. Lieutenant 
T. K. Clark, A. S. 0., with the fleet, on board the "Marble Head," 
had previously, at 5:30 A. M., observed the evacuation from that 
vessel ; and had, at that time, signalled the report to the flag-ship. 
(Sub-report 48'.) 

The fleet at once moved from its anchorage, and occupied tlie 
channel between Yorktown and Gloucester. 

Upon the first announcement of the retreat of the cneni}', a 
party, under command of Lieutenant IL L. Johnson, 5th Con- 
necticut Volunteers, and A. S. 0., had been sent to Yorktown to 
establish a signal station in that place ; and to send officers to open 
communication across the river to Gloucester, as soon as that place 
could be safely entered. The officer detailed for tliis })ui'pose, was 
fairly on his way across the river, in a skiff, to occupy Gloucestei-, 
before the enemy had abandoned that position. lie was reealk'd, 
to save him from captui-e. 

As the fleet moved up, the enemy hastily abandoned that posi- 
tion ; and a signal officer landed with the advance of our troops 
wdio occupied it. By 10 A. M., stations had been established, and 
were working, at Farenholt's house, Yorktown, Gloucester, and on 
the fleet; communicating with headquarters through the station 
on Farenholt's house. 

Communication with the fleet had not been suspended during 
the movement of the vessels from the anchorage to Yorktown. 
The messages transmitted, this morning, were numerous and im- 
portant. The General con^manding received, at Camp AV infield 
Scott, reports from Gloucester and Yorktown ; and from the senior 
naval officer (on board the flagship, some miles distant, and out of 
sight), frequent statements of the position of the fleet ; of recon- 
noissances made up the river, and as far as West Point, liy 
steamers ordered on that duty; of captures made; and of the 
naval plans and orders. In return, he communicated his own 
wishes (to which he had immediate response), and his }>!aii for the 
movement of the combined fleet and army. 

Among (^tlier messages thus telegnsphod. was <inc from (he 



Geaei'al-in-cliief, announcing his intention to move up tlic river, 
that day, the transports with the troops under General Franklin ; 
and asking a convoy of war vessels : one relating to the reported 
embarkation of the enemy at a wharf bej^ond Williamsburg, 
which embarkation it was desired to prevent ; and one to save the 
railroad bridge across the Pamunkey river (which the fleet pro- 
posed to destroy). 

The reports from the fleet showed that the river was without 
obstruction as far as the White House ; that the white flag was 
flying at several points on its banks, and at West Point; and that 
no troops were there visible. The wharf beyond Williamsburg 
was reported as destroyed by fire, and as yet burning. One or 
two large vessels were found on the stocks, at West Point. 

The signal stations on the right of the army, other than those 
above mentioned, were this day abandoned ; and the parties were 
concentrated, to accompan}^ the advance of the army. Late in the 
afternoon, the sound of cannon announced that the advance guard 
of the army had overtaken the enemy, and commenced the battle 
of Williamsburg. 

BATTLE OF WILLIAMSBURG. 

On the 5th of May, headquarters of the Army of the Potomac 
were still at Camp Winfield Scott. The last arrangements were 
making for the movement of General Franklin's forces, which, 
sailing up the river, and landing at West Point, would turn any 
position taken by the enemy lower down upon the Peninsula, and 
would also threaten the flanks of their retreating columns. 

The signal officers with this command, sometime before detailed 
to it by oi'der of the commanding General, had been distributed 
among the transports. Other signal oflicers, of the fleet detach- 
ment, were on the gunboats to accompany them. The services of 
these officers will have particular mention in relation to the battle 
at West Point. 

The signal detachment of the left and centre, in charge of Lieu- 
tenants Daniels and Fisher, A. S. 0., had moved forward with the 
advance of the columns to which they were attached. 

The movement to Williamsburg encountered the gravest difficul- 



27 

tie;A, ill iniiy roadt^, })uddled by the footsteps, and broken into ruts 
and great holes, by the wheel tracks of the retreating army. 
These roads led through forests. A heavy rain had been falling 
all day. 

At General headquarters we had heard tlie sounds of a con- 
tinued battle since daylight. About 3 P. M. officers of the staff 
arrived from the front. The Chief Signal Officer was notified that 
the General commanding was about to go upon the field ; and was 
instructed by him, in person, that communication was desired be- 
tween the army and AVilliamsburg and the gunboats which were 
to be sent up from the fleet, that night, to act witli it. lie was 
directed to arrange officers for this communication. In obedience 
to these orders, additional officers, carrying with them full written 
instructions as to the arrangements to be made, were sent to report 
to Lieutenant J. W. DeFord, lltli P. R V. C, and A. S. 0., on 
board the flagship. 

Two signal oAicers were to be placed on each gunboat, sent to 
take part in the action. Of these, one was to land, if necesvsary, 
and join our troops near Williamsburg, whenever they might be 
visible. The communication of the gunboats to any point on 
sliore, visible from their decks, and held by our forces, was thus 
made certain. 

Lieutenant H. L. Johnson, A. S. 0., was ordered to the front, 
witli a detachment of six officers and their men, which had, the 
day before, been concentrated. This party started immediately. 

By the time these arrangements were completed, it was night. 
It was very dark, and rain still fell rapidly. 

The signal detachment of the forces with Generals Sumner and 
Keyes, moving with the column on the march to Williamsburg, 
acted, during the march, as scouts to reconnoitre, and as aids, to 
carry messages and reports. Their duties, in this character, were 
continued on the field of battle. 

The smoke, the mist, the heavy rain, and the dense woods, ren- 
dered signalling impossible. Some of the officers were posted, by 
the officers in charge of the detachment, where they could use 
their telescopes, and whence they announced to the commanders 
near them, either by orderlies or in person, such movements 
of the enemy as they were able to see. Towards evening, Gcnc' 



28 

ral McClellan arrived, and went npon tlic Held of battle, on the 
right. 

Soon after Lis arrival, in reply to an inquiry made b}^ liim, 
wlietlier coinniunieation could be had with the gunboats expected 
to arrive at night, Lieutenant B. F. Fisher, A. S. O., reported to 
him, and received his orders to establish the communication 
required. 

This was successfully accomplished, upon the arrival of the 
vessels, though the night was one very unlavorable for signalling. 
The shore-station was about a mile inland from the river, and close 
to the field of battle. The fact was communicated to the com- 
manding General as soon as accomplished. 

Lieutenant Fisher caused another signal station to be erected 
near one of the works, on the battle-field, and made ready to call 
and direct the fire of the gunboats, should it be needed, at day- 
light. 

The Acting Signal Ofiicers who assisted Lieutenant Fisher, and 
those on the gunboats, whose care and watchfulness contributed to 
the result, are entitled to equal credit. The names of these ofiicers 
(and of others who deserve mention, at this place), are given in 
my report of June 22, 1862. (Sub-reports 45.) 

There is reason to believe, that the knowledge of this communi- 
cation was of some importance to the commanding General. 

At daylight, the enemy had evacuated their works, and w^ere in 
retreat beyond Williamsburg. 

A signal station had been established at the mouth of Queen's 
Creek, from which various messages were sent, until the store- 
ships, with supplies, began to arrive. 

On the arrival of the Chief Signal Oflicer, on the morning of 
the 6th, communication w^as opened from the gunboats to other 
stations well inland, and was kept open, at the request of General 
Smith, whilst the troops moved forward to occupy Williamsburg, 
and until that village had been occuj^ied in force. 

The fleet of transports with General Franklin's command, was 
passing up the river to TFest Point, as our troops were marching 
into the place. 

The headquarters of the army halted at IFiliiamsburg some 
davs, while the trains of the nrmv were brc^iight up tlirough the 



29 

almost impassable roads, and the wounded of tlie Ijattle were cared 
for. Fresh trc^ops were pushed forward in pursuit of the enemy; 
while those which luid suiTered most in the engagement, followed 
more leisurely. 

The advance-guard, under General Stoneman, pursued closely 
the retreating army. A party of three signal officers, with their 
men, accompanied this guard, and w^as activel}^ employed watching 
the enemy, and reporting their movements. 

On the da}^ following our arrival, the Chief Signal Officer was 
ordered to connect, by signal stations, if possible, the village of 
Williamsburg with AVest Point. It was the plan, that communi- 
cating stations should be placed on three schooners, anchored some 
miles apart, in the river; and the messages, sent from a station on 
shore, at West Point, were to be repeated, thi-ough the schooner- 
stations, to another station, on land, at the mouth of Worniley 
Creek. Hence, through other stations, they v,ould be sent to Wil- 
liamsburg. The distance was about twenty miles. The schooners 
were to be brought from Yorktown. 

With much labor, and many tiresome delays, the stations were 
at lengtli established (May 9tli); but only on the day on wdiich 
headquarters, moving again to the front, left them useless. 

At Williamsburg, as at Yorktown, the Chief Signal Officer felt 
deeply the want of Field Telegraphic Trains; wdiich would have 
rendered communication, at least over part of this distance, certain 
and easy. Sub-reports (1, -i, 12, 13, 2d, 31, 47,) make reference to 
this battle. 

BATTLE OF ^V1■]ST POIXT. 

While General headcpiarters were at AVilliamslnirg, the battle 
of West Point was fought. The comminid of General Fi'anklin, 
arriving at that place, under convoj^ of the fleet, on the evening 
of Ma}' 6th, had, b\' the morning of May 7th, been so far disem- 
barked, that a large force of infantry was on shore, but not yet in 
perfect condition for action. It was without cavalry, and but 
poorly supplied with artillery. 

The disembarkation, from numerous transports, of various de- 
scription, was vet in progress. The })Osition was almost sur- 



30 

rounded b}' thick woods, ^vllicll came down near to the river. 
The country, which was diiTicult, was not well known by our 
troops. 

Whilst our forces were thus placed, the pickets were driven in, 
and heavy volleys of musketry announced the approach of the 
army under General Lee, advTincing, in great force, to the attack; 
with the hope, doubtless, that our troops, taken unprepared, and 
yet landing, could be routed, and driven into the river. 

At the same time, a battery of heavy field-guns opened, from 
a height, at once upon the army and the transports, Jt was a 
moment of serious danger; and the most rapid action was neces- 
sar}'. 

Part of the signal officers of the expedition had landed, with 
the troops to which the}' were assigned. The firing, on shore, 
caused those on the war vessels and the transports to be every- 
where on the alert. 

General Franklin, on the "Mystic,"' at West Point, was sent for, 
by signals. The order went quickly from the shore to the fleet, 
and as cj^uicklj^ from shi}) to ship, to move up and cover the army 
with their fire. 

With a promptness impossible without this communication, the 
vessels were brought into position, and threw in the fire of their 
great o:uns. to aid that of our army. 

The contest was not long; the enemy's batteries were silenced; 
and their troops, repulsed and broken, fell back through the 
woods. foUowed, for a long distance, by the shells of the navy. 

The reports of Lieutenants Beckett, 56tli New York Vols., and 
A. S. 0.: J. C. Wiggins, 3d New Jersey Vols., and A. S. O.; R 
AV. Owen, 38th New York Vols., and A. S. 0.; and J. W. De 
Ford, 11th P. R. V. C, and A. S. 0., (papers 37, 31, 12, 25, here- 
with,) will enal)le the General commanding to judge of the services 
of the signal officers at this place. The letters of the senior naval 
officer, Commodore W. Smith, and Lieutenant Commanding T. IL 
Stevens, (papers G, M,) refer to the assistance given by them ; and, 
as I am informed, General Franklin, soon after the battle, in an 
official note, made special mention of the subject. The promptly 
combined action of the army and the navy, was the result of their 
efi'oi'ts. The names of the officers ])rincipally engaged in this 



;n 

action, are given in my preliminary report of June IStli, lb()2. 
(Sub-report 45.) 

On the 9tli of May, headquarters moved from Williamsburg; 
and on the following day they were at Ropers Meeting House, 
iriiile here, a line of repeating stations was formed, eonnecting 
the headquarters of the armv with the troops at II est Point. It 
did not work well, howev^er, and was used only for the practiee of 
the offieers. At this place, the corps was joined by a detachment 
from Georgetown ; bringing with it the first field telegra})li train 
ever used in the field by an army of tlie United States. It was 
that of which mention has been made as partially com^ileted, and 
as used at the Camp of Instruction. It was a light structure, on 
wheels, carrying reels, from which there could be spun out insu- 
lated wire. It was fitted with telegraphic instruments of a kind 
before unused. It had been intended that the reels of this train 
should carry ten miles of wire, so prepared that it might be laid 
on the ground, and used, anywhere, without the esca})e of the 
electric current. 

Different hindrances had made it impossible to furnish more 
than four miles of copper wire, coated with gutta-})erclia, and of a 
rather inferior quality. The magneto-electric instruments, devised 
for the train by Mr. G. 11'. Beai'dslee, of New York, were of new- 
invention. The working current for these instruments, when 
placed on telegraphic line, is generated by a pile of magnets — a 
part of the instrument itself The letters of the alphabet are 
plainly marked on the dial. To cause the letters to l)e indicated, 
at either end of the line, or to I'ead them, are operations so simple, 
as to be within the power, with little practice, of almost any sol- 
dier who can easily read and write. The instrument is used with- 
out fluids, without galvanic batteries of any kind, and is compact, 
strong, and portable. For use, with flying telegraph trains, on the 
field of battle, and for military telegraphs in general, I have 
regarded such instruments as necessar}'. I am of the ojiinion, 
that it will be recalled, at sometime hereafter, with no little pride, 
that field telegraphic trains, of this character, and thus equipi)ed, 
were first brought into use hy the Signal Corps of the army, and 
were first used v^'ith the army of the Potomac. 

The remains of this train, to which some historic iutere^^t alreadv 



attaches, are now preserved at the SigTial Camp of Instruction, 
Georgetown, 1). C. 

In the first attempts to experiment with, and to use the train, an 
unexpected difficulty was encountered. The soldiers, unused to 
the coated wire, and seeing it stretched for miles along the fences, 
or lying on the ground near the road, would cut and break it, to 
examine its character. Some of them thought it an invention of 
the enemy. 

On the loth of ^[i\\, General headquarters were established at 
Oundjcrland. IThen, soon after our arrival here, the alarm was 
given tiiat the headquarters' train was endangered, and that the 
enemy's forces were advancing, the General commanding, with his 
start' started foi- the field, in person. A detachment of five signal 
officers, e(|uippcd. act-c^nqianied him. The alarm was groundless. 

There was some communication here, by signals, with the vessels 
on the ri\-ers. A line, of five signal stations, was also established 
from this place to the advance-guard, under General Stoneman, 
then occu])ying IThite House. A few messages were sent to and 
fro over this line; but its principal use was for practice. 

On the 10th of ^lay, head(piarters' camp moved to Tl'hite 
House, on the Pamunkey river. 

Among the reconnoissances made by signal officers, from this 
j)lace, was one to the Chickahominy, near Bottom's Bridge; the 
Jirst time, perhaps, the waters of that stream were seen by any of 
our arm3\ 

On the ensuing day, the corps commanded by General Kej-es 
moving up to occu])v a position near Bottom's Bridge, Lieutenant 
II. L. Johnson, A. S. 0., with a detachment of signal officers and 
tlieir men, was ordered to report to, and remain with him, for duty. 

From that time, until after the juissage of tl)e Chickahomiu}^, 
this detachment served under General Ke3es, and always with the 
advance of the corps. 

A station of observation was established near Bottom's Bridge; 
whence the movements of the enemy, whose pickets were now in 
sight, across the river, were visible; and thence, by a signal line, 
communicated numerous rc})orts to General Keyes's lieadquarters. 

On the day of the passaged! the Chickaliominy, a part of this 
detachment crossed with the fii-st ti'oops, and opened a station on 



the bluff, near llunit Cliiiniie^'s, and close to tlie ])k'l<t't line: 
placing that line in communication with General Keyes's head- 
quarters, then at Old Tavern. 

This duty led to a remarkable collision. The ad\'ance signal 
part}" was annoj'ed b}' the enem3''s picket firing, from a iarmdiouse 
near them. The station would soon be untenable. The signal 
party was quietly mounted; and then, on the order of its com- 
mander, furiously charged the offending pickets, as the story ran, 
with telescopes. The panic-flight of the enemy evinced their 
dread of the novel armament. The party carried, however, re- 
volvers, as well as field-glasses. 

From this date, the detachment served with the advance of the 
forces on the southern side of the Chickahominy. 

While General headquai'ters were at White House, the wire of 
the Field Telegraphic Train was extended a distance of thiee 
miles — lying on the gi'onnd, and hung on bushes, by the sides of 
the road. Experiments were made, in transmitting mes.^ages, 
wdiile the wire was in process of reeling out. They were success- 
ful ; and attracted much attention by their novelty. 

A line, of four repeating stations, was established from White 
House to General Stoneman's advance-guard, a few miles distant. 
This line was well worked; and was used for official messages. 

On the 16th of Ma}', headquarters were moved to TunstalTs 
station, on the West Point and Richmond Railroad. 

As the array moved from White House, the advance-guard, 
under General Stoneman, pushed rapidly forward to Old Coal 
Harbor, and, with his advance, encountered a small force of the 
enemy's cavalry at Gaines's Mill, near New Bridge. 

A detachment of signal ofiicers accompanied this advance, join- 
ing the small party which had served with General Stoneman 
23reviously. AVith the column moving in the field, these officers 
were found everywhere in the advance, and pti'died \\\)c.n the 
roofs of the prominent dwellings. They sometimes anticipated 
the march of the advance-guard. The distances over which they 
could work, however, were, from the formation of the country, 
generally short; and a single message could go by courier almost 
as rapidly as by signals. The labor of so large a party seemed 
unnecessary, and the greater number were ordered by General 



Stuiiemuu to discontinue; tliat officer retaining witli liis advance 
the three who had accompanied him from Williaftisburg. 

On the next day, the advance-guard reached the banks of the 
Chickahominy, at New Bridge. Some scattered forces of the 
enemv, and a few guns, very plainly exposed, were visible, on the 
crest of the hill, on the Richmond side of the river. 

On the northerly side, on the first elevated ground of the river 
bank, were the Hogan and the Gaines mansions. These houses 
were about three-quarters of a mile distant from each other. From 
a point near the Hogan house, could be had an extensive view of 
the bottom-lands bordering the river, and of the country upon the 
opposite bank. 

A station of observation was established here, under the direc^ 
tion of Lieutenant N. Daniels, A. S. 0., and was held for some 
days, while outside of our line of pickets. This station after- 
wards became one of much importance. 

On Mav 22d headquarters were established near Coal Harbor. 

From General headquarters to the station in front, near Hogan's 
house, a line of six repeating stations was made. The officers 
were kept constantly on these stations. Messages were transmitted 
to and from the front, over this line, with reasonable rapidity and 
accuracy. There were no great movements of the enemy visible 
from the station of observation, and there was little to report. 
The chief value of this line, as of the other repeating lines 
established at AVilliamsburg and White House, during the march 
of the army, was in the practice, and consequent skill which work 
upon them gave the officers on stations. 

From headquarters' camp, at Coal Harbor, parties were sent out 
to reconnoitre the course of the Chickahominy, from Bottom's 
Bridge to New Bridge ; and to select those prominent points which 
might serve, in case of need, as communicating stations. These 
parties were instructed, also, to note prominent points in view on 
the southerly side of the Chickahominy. 

The knowledge of the country gained by these parties, showed 
it practicable to communicate, by signals, between the portions of 
the army occupying the nor*thern, and those at this time on the 
southern side of the Chickahominy. The stations would be, how- 
ever, some distance to the rear of the advance on both sides of the 



river; and that on the south side of the Chic-kahoniiny, near to 
ihe raih'oad, on which a line of electric telegraph was then build- 
ing. It was not thought worth the while to occupy them. 

From Coal Harbor, the insulated wire of the field telegraph was 
run out a distance of two miles, for one day, to a point near the 
headquarters of the advance-guard. These headquarters moving, 
it was reeled up on the same day. 

THE .SKIRMISH AT MECHANICSVILLE. 

Early in the afternoon of the 24th of May, our artillery opened 
upon the enemy, for the first time, on this part of our lines, at 
New Bridge. The fire, sustained for sometime, elicited no response. 
During its progress, the advance-guard, under General Stoneman, 
with a brigade under General Davidson, moved towards the village 
of Mechanics vi lie, then known to be held by a force of the enemy. 
The artillery joined this column on the march. 

A detachment of seven signal officers, hastily collected from 
stations in the vicinity, moved with our forces. 

From the upper story of Austin's house, a dwelling located on 
a high bank on the east side of Beaver 'Dam, a first view was 
caught of the enemy, on the other side of the Chickahominy, near 
Mechanicsville bridge, and of the s])ires of Richmond. 

Before the fact that the enemy was visible could be announced 
to the commanding General, the head of the column, ascending on 
the Mechanicsville road to the crest on the west side of Beaver 
Dam, was received by a discharge of the enemy's artillery ; and 
the engagement was commenced. At the same time, a battery 
of two guns, stationed on the south of the Chickahomin)^, near a 
bridge, opened in a vain attemjjt to reach the left of our line, near 
Austin's house, on the east side of Beaver Dam. It was not 
known wdiat force of the enemy might be near tliis battery. A 
signal officer was stationed on the left of our lines, to watcii it, 
and to report, by signals, any movement of the enemy in that 
direction to another oflScer, stationed near the battery, engaging 
the enemy on the west side of Beaver Dam ; and, also, to another 
officer, stationed with the battery firing from near Austin's house. 
The skirmish Was of short duration. Our troops were hardly de^ 



plo^'ed ill line of battle, when the enemy's fire ceased, and they 
retreated to Mechanicsville. A signal officer, stationed at Aus- 
tin's house, reported six guns as moving near that village. It was 
dark by this time, and the troops bivouacked for the night. 

By order of General Stoneman, two signal officers were sent to 
report to General Davidson ; and a code of rocket signals was 
armnged, by which to indicate certain movements, if made by his 
forces, during the nioht. 

At daylight, the troops advanced upon the village; and after 
some artillery firing, occupied it. As the line moved up, General 
Stoneman, at his headquarters, near Austin's house, was kept in- 
Ibrmed of its progress, and of the moment of the occupation of 
the village, by signals, from the ofiicers who accompanied the 
ti-oops. As soon as the village was occupied, a coui-ier was dis- 
patched, ordering the vs'ire of the field telegraph to be run out 
i'rom a dwelling near the llogan liouse, by this time occupied by 
General W. V. Smith as liis headiinarters, to a [)oiiit near Me- 
chanicsville. This was done in a few hours" labor, in a heavy 
I'ain; and soon after noon, the telegraphic communication was 
established irom the headquarters of General Davidson, near Me- 
chanicsville, to the division headquarters of General Smith. The 
ease with which this was done, illustrated the rapidity with which, 
under more favorable circumstances, such communication might 
be made available. 

On the day following the occu|)ation of ISIechanicsville, a station 
of observation was established near that village, which was held 
almost constantly wdiile our troops occu})ied the place. 

On the next day, an expedition of cavalry, with a detachment 
of mounted artillery and a field piece, under the command of 
Major A. S. AVebb, of the Kliode Island Artillery, started to 
examine the country in the vicinity of the Kichmond and Virginia 
Central Kailroad. 

Two signal officers joined the expedition for the purpose of 
reconnoissance. This expedition penetrated the enemy's lines for 
some miles, driving in their pickets and scattering their supports, 
and finall}^ reaching the railroad at a station near Greenshaw's, 
twelve miles from Richmond. The track w^as destroyed and set 
on (ire in two places. In this work of destruction, the turpentine 



3T 

from the canteen, whicli signal soldiers carry, was found lo Vio a 
useful auxiliary. By the time the party reached it, it had been re- 
duced, by pickets left on different roads, and guards at houses, 
to about twenty-five men. The drums of the rebel force, camped 
in the vicinity, could be distinctly heard beating the alarm. The 
party returned to our lines unmolested. 

On May 26, headquarters' camp was established near New 
Bridge. (Sub-reports 1, 27, IT, 2G, 22, 34, 37.) 



BATTLE OF HANOVER COURT-HOUi=!E. 

On the evening of May 26 the Chief Signal Officer was informed 
that a force, under General Fitz John Porter, would move at day- 
light to attack the enemy, at Hanover Court-House. He was di- 
rected to provide a signal party to accompany it. A signal 
party of seven officers, with their men, fully equipped, and with 
three days' rations, were ordered to move witli the troops at day- 
light. 

The Chief Signal Officer accompanied this party. It had rained 
during the night, and part of the previous day. On the morning 
of the 27th it was still raining. The columns moved with diffi- 
culty, and slowly. 

At about 11, A. M., tlie outposts of the enemy were encoun- 
tered. About noon, the head of our column, near Hanover Court- 
House, came suddenly upon a force of the enemy, apparently ad- 
vancing to meet it. The lines of both armies were formed at 
once, and the battle commenced with artillery. 

At nearly the right of our lines our principal liattery was 
posted, and was instantly engaged. A few hundred yards to the 
right of this battery, and in front of our line, was a clump ot 
woods, from which was had a good view of tlie enemy, and, also, 
of the fields they occupied. Lieutenants Marston, 4()th Pennsyl- 
vania Volunteers, and A. S. 0., and Gloskoski, 29th New York 
Volunteers, and A. S. 0., were ordered to establish a station 
here, to observe the enemy, and to report, by signals, to Lieut. 
Homer, 6th Now Jersey Volunteers, and A. S. 0., who was 
placed at the battery, and to headquarters' station, near the Gen- 
eral Commanding. (Sub-reports 26, 31. 1.) 
10 



88 

Lieutenant G. H. McNary, lOtli P. R. Y. C, and A. S. 0., was 
posted on a house some distance in tlie rear of the battery, and 
commanding a view of the fields in front. He was directed to 
report to headquarters' station. (It was intended to use this sta- 
tion to communicate with the front, in case our line advanced 
fighting.) 

Lieutenant Thickstun, 83d Pennsylvania Volunteers, and 
xV. S. 0., was placed upon a house on the left (where he could see 
the open country,) in order to report any movements of the ene- 
my from that direction. (Sub-report 6.) Lieutenants Norton, 
10th P. R. V. C, and A. S. 0., and Wiggins, 3d New Jersey 
Volunteers, and A. S. 0., were held in reserve. 

All the officers mentioned were in range of artillery fire. 

The fire upon the stations occupied by Lieutenants Marston and 
Gloskoski, Homer and McNary, was particularly severe. The 
flag had no sooner been raised, on the advanced station, tlian it 
was greeted by a volley of musketry. Though immediately 
screened behind trees, its position was much exposed throughout 
the action. 

Lieut. Homer, stationed with tlie battery, received, of course, 
his share of the shots directed at the guns ; whilst Lieut. Mc 
Nary, posted in the rear of the battery, was in line of shots which 
went over it, and seemed, by his elevated position, to attract not 
a few intended for himself. 

Messages were received from the advanced station, by the sta- 
tion at the battery directing the aim of the guns, announcing the 
j-etreat of the enemy, and replying to a question as to the nation- 
ality of a body of troops wliich appeared on the field. The latter, 
fortunately, just in time to prevent our own forces, which, advan- 
cing, had that moment come in view, from receiving tlie fire of 
our guns. 

The enemy were driven from their first position after a contest 
of about one hour's duration. Our line advanced towards Hano- 
ver Court-House in pursuit. 

The stations at first established were abandoned, by order of 
General Porter. The Signal Officers were sent forward with the 
first skirmishers, reconnoitring and reporting, from elevated 
points in the field, and on the right and left of the line, as it ad- 
van rod. 



39 

A station was erected on the top of a large house, overlooking 
the field of battle, near which it was, and tlie valley in which tlie 
village of Hanover is located. From tliis station a report was 
made that some regiments of the enemy, witli artillery, were visi- 
ble in the valley, near Hanover. Our advance soon after moved 
rapidly to tliat village. The signal party was hurried to the 
front to seek the position of tlie enemy, and kept on the road go- 
ing west of Hanover, nntil a camp of the enemy was visible. It 
was here learned, from tlie returning troops, that the general ad- 
vance of the army was not in that direction, whilst the sounds of 
artillery announced that a conflict had recommenced near the 
first scene of battle. Hastily turning back, the party again ar- 
rived on the fields just as the last shots were fired. 

On the following day the army occupied the same position ; 
the dead were buried ; the wounded cared for. 

The condition of the enemy's camps showed with what haste 
they had retreated. 

A station of observation was opened on a prominent house, near 
the field of battle, whence frequent reports were made to head- 
quarters. Other minor stations were also established. The offi- 
cers were called in from these stations at sunset. 

It was thought there might be a battle on the following day, 
and an order was sent back to camp, directing more officers to 
report the next morning. The party bivouacked on the field of 
battle. 

At daylight the next morning, the Chief Signal Officer was or- 
dered by General Porter to send a party to General Emory, un- 
der whose command expeditions had been sent out during the 
night. 

The headquarters of General Emory were found at a church, 
or school-house, beyond Hanover. They were connected, by a 
line of repeating stations, with those of General Porter, yet upon 
the battle-field. 

The Chief Signal Officer was also directed to extend a line as 
far towards the left, on the Ashland road, as was practicable. 
The headquarters of General Morrell, commanding on the left, 
were connected by repeating stations with general headquarters ; 
and when, a few hours after, the signal detachment ordered in the 



40 

mght arrived, this line was extended a mile and a half towards 
Ashland. A signal station was erected upon the roof of the man- 
sion before mentioned. 

About 9, A. M., a dense cloud of smoke was reported as visible 
from this station. It was some miles distant, and in the direc- 
tion taken by one of our expeditions. 

Not long after, a signal dispatch from General Emory announ- 
ced that our troops had readied Ashland, and the destruction of 
the railroad bridge. This was folh)wed by otlier brief messages 
and reports. Orders went soon after to General Emory to call 
in Ills Ibree. 

The object of the advance on Hanover (the destruction of the 
enemy's coiiimunieations, by railroad, nortli), liad been accom- 
plished, and tlie Army Corps was al)Out to rejoin the Army of the 
Potomac. 

The signal lines were ordered to be broken up. The last 
message — one of " all quiet " — came from the loft. The party 
Avas concentrated, and moved for their camp on the Chickahominy. 
At one o'clock all our troops were in motion on their return, and 
the headquarters of General Porter had left the field of battle. 

THE SIEGE OF RICHMOND. 

Tlic siege of llichmond may very properly date from tlie time 
at wliich headquarters' camp was established at New Bridge. 
By the chasing days of May the left wing of the Army of the 
Potomac had advanced along the railroad, toward Riclimond, to 
beyond Fair Oaks. It was concealed in the dense woods, and 
heUl tlie swampy and uncomfortable ground on the south side of 
the Chickahominy. Its advanced pickets were just in view of 
great cleared fields and high grounds, which, if attained, would 
bring them almost within range of Richmond, and in healthy en- 
campments. The right of the army was stretched along the 
northern banks of the Chickahominy, from Bottom's Bridge to 
beyond Mechanicsville. There were liridges at Bottom's Bridge ; 
at tlie railroad ; at a point above the railroad, a corduroy struc- 
ture, known as Sumner's Bridge, and three bridges nearly com- 
pleted — one at, one above, and one below the location of New 



41 

Bridge. The open country mentioned as in front of the left wing, 
reached to the bridges at New Bridge, and there were large fields 
on both the north and south sides of the Chickahoniiny. 

The Corps of Generals Hcintzelman and Keyes occupied the 
southern side of the river. The northern side was held by the 
corps of Generals Sumner, Hooker, and Franklin. 

The signal party serving on the soutli side of the river under 
Lieutenant H. L. Johnson, 5th Conn. Volunteers and A. S. 0., 
had been working faithfully, under most disadvantageous cir- 
cumstances ; tliey were shut in everywiiere by swamps and thick 
woods — there were no points from which they could communicate 
to advantage— the army was new — the Generals did not know 
how to employ signal officers, and the officers had yet to gain by 
service experience as to the best modes in which to employ them- 
selves. There were, however, signal stations along the railroad, 
connecting General Pleintzleman's headquarters, at Savage Sta- 
tion, with the front beyond Fair Oaks, and the officers had 
reconnoitred faithfully, but with little success, along the picket 
line for points of observation. 

On the northern side of the Chickaliominy, the field-telegraph 
line was extended along fences and in trees, from General Head- 
•quarters to near Mechanicsville. (Sub-report 20.) The soldiers 
had ceased to cut the wires, patrols had been established, and tlie 
line was working successfully and with little interruption. 

There was a station of observation near Mechanicsville, and 
the station near Hogan's house, above New Bridge, wliich had 
been occupied from the time the advance of the army readied it. 
From this station could be seen the line of thick woods in wliich 
we knew the left of the army lay covered ; but, though it was 
scanned carefully every day, and often with glasses, no friendly 
soldier was visible. 

BATTLE OF SEVEN PINES. 

On the 30th day of May, was fought the battle of Seven Pines. 
This battle was fought in the rain, in a thick woods, and without 
any pre-arranged plans on the part of the forces. The left of the 
army resisted the furious attack of the enemy, whei-ever and how- 



42 

ever they were able; fighting in the dark, as it were; sometimes first 
knowing the presence of the foe by receiving their fire. Under 
such circumstances, and on such ground, it was impossible for the 
signal officers to use signals ; nor does it seem, from their reports, 
that they acted as reconnoitring officers, reporting by courier. 
Some of them joined the staffs of different Generals, and served 
gallantly enough as aides. The temptation for a signal officer to 
convert himself into an aide, is always serious — the duties of tlie 
latter, as rendered in our service, requiring less care, and much 
less trouble ; for this reason, and to discourage the practice, no 
mention has been made, in my preliminary report, of any services 
of signal officers at Seven Pines. 

The fight raged furiously from about noon. From a signal 
station, near Hogan's liouse, the shells could be seen bursting in 
the air, and the smoke rising above the tree-tops, while the sounds 
of the battle were distinctly audible. About 3 p. m., a brigade 
forming, as it seemed, a part of the enemy's left, moved in line of 
battle, with skirmishers in front, across the open fields, south of 
New Bridge, to join the action. A few guns were, at the same 
time, fired by a battery near them. The movement of these 
troops was visible by many of our officers, and excited comment 
by its steadiness. The fire continued heavily long after night 
fall, and when it ceased, both armies only rested for tlie struggle 
of the following day. (Sub-reports 11, 31, 34, 36.) 

THE BATTLE OF FAIR OAKS. 

On the evening of the 31st of ^lay, the Chief Signal Officer 
was informed, at headquarters, of the result of that day's battle. 
It was known, in the night, that General Sumner had succeeded 
in crossing the Chickahominy with his corps ; that the progress 
of the enemy was checked ; and, that there would be a battle in 
the morning. It was announced in the evening as the plan, that 
the corps of Franklin and Porter would cross, in three columns, 
the three bridges near New Bridge, at daylight — the crossing to 
be covered by the fire of numerous batteries, posted on the first 
rising grounds north of the river. This would bring a force on 
the flanks of the enemy, engaging with his front our troops near 
Fair Oaks. 



43 

It was reported, also, that there was trouble at the crossing of 
Bottoms bridge, the bridges being crowded with wagons and 
troops. A signal party was ordered down, in tlie night, to render 
assistance, if it should be required, by transmitting orders from 
one side of the river to tlie other. There was no occasion for 
the services of this party. All officers and men of the signal 
])arty, lit for duty, wore ordered to be ready to move, from camp, 
before ^ay light. 

At daylight the next morning, the whole army Avas under arms. 
The signal party was moved to near New Bridge, and parties were 
arranged to accompany the columns to cross, as follows, viz : 

Four officers, with their men, reported to the commander of 
each column. Two were to cross at each bridge with the troops, 
and two to remain with the batteries detailed to cover that 
column. 

Of the officers crossing at each bridge, with the first troops, 
one was to carry the white, the other the red signal flag. The 
white flag was to transmit messages relating to the general ser- 
vice. The red was to be used to direct the fire of the artillery. 
The communicating officers, stationed at the battery, were simi- 
larly equipped as to their flags, and had similar instructions. 

Orders were sent to the station near Mechanicsville, to care- 
fully watch each movement of the enemy, in that direction, and 
to report, by the line of field-telegraph, to general headquarters, 
each half hour. There were two balloons fastened, and floating 
in the air, some hundred feet from the ground. One of these was 
near Mechanicsville, the other close to the Gaines house. An 
officer was sent to each of these, with orders to ascend. The one 
near Mechanicsville to report, by signals, from the car of the bal- 
loon, to a point near headquarters, any information he might 
gain ; the other at Gaines's house, to attempt to open communica- 
tion, from the car, with any signal officer serving with the left, 
Avhose attention he could call ; or, with any signal officer, after 
our troops should advance and have crossed the river. 

These ascensions were made as ordered, but without result. 
(Sub-reports 31, 34.) Very little could be seen from the balloon 
near Mechanicsville. There was no reply from the left, to the 
signals made from the car to that near Gaines's house. 



44 

The scene, near New Bridge, after daylight, was one of interest. 
The morning was clear and still. The sun shown brightly after 
the rain, which had fallen in the night. Tliere were, everywhere, 
bodies of troops ready to cross, and batteries of cannon from 
their chosen positions, covered almost every point of the opposite 
slope. At the bridges, working-parties were working busily. 
Now and then shots were exchanged across the river. It seemed 
as though the moment of battle had come. But the bridges were 
not ready. It was whisjiered, soon, that they could not be 
linished in some hours. Then, not on that day ; and later, it was 
known that the crossing was impracticable. The heavy rains 
had had their effect. The stream had risen and was still rising. 
It had overspread its banks, the treaclierous soil was saturated, 
and the bottom of the valley had become a morass. 

While the troops of the riglit thus waited we heard the roar of 
the battle raging at Fair Oaks, and soon after came tidings of 
the defeat of the enemy. 

The services of the signal party with the left in this battle 
were, in character, similar to those of tlie day before. They were 
aides, and carried many important messages. 

The signal party at New Bridge were kept in the field all day, 
and bivouacked there at night on this and the following day, to 
be ready for their part in any movement that might be ordered. 

On the 2d of June the enemy had retreated to Richmond. 

On the 3d of June, a party of Signal Officers, with their men, 
under Lieutenant Franklin Ellis, Tammany Regiment New York 
Volunteers, and A. S. 0., was ordered to pass our line and make 
a reconnoissance as far as James river, to ascertain the practica- 
bility of communication, by signals, between our army and the 
naval vessels then lying in that river. This party reached the 
river at Westover, and there boarded a flag-of-truce boat. It 
then returned by way of Charles City Court-House. 

Communication by signals was found to be impracticable. It 
was thought, by the officers, that messages might be sent by rock- 
ets, or from the car of a balloon. (Sub-reports 33, 46.) 



45 



COMMUNICATION OPENP^D BETWEEN THE RIGHT AND LEFT, 

Up to the date of the battles of The Seven Pines and Fair 
Oaks, as has been mentioned, no portion of the left of the army 
had been visible from ground held by the right. The enemy had 
some guns on the heights near New Bridge, and troops in the 
woods near Price's house. From the station near Hogan's house 
we could discern, with glasses, two gnns and numbers of troojis 
near James Garnett's house. 

The result of the battles of May 31st and June 1st had not en- 
abled the left to reach the open country in their front ; they were 
yet hidden in the woods. From the time the construction of the 
bridges near New Bridge had commenced, there had been, now 
and then, artillery firing between our batteries posted to cover 
them, and the enemy's guns near Prince's house. 

After the battle of Seven Pines the enemy seemed to increase 
their force at this point, earthworks began to be visible, and their 
artillery had better ranges. From this time, for as long as the 
army remained before Richmond, the defences on the southern side 
of the Chickahominy grew more formidable. It was customary 
to fire, on either side, at any object tliat attracted attention, and 
sometimes it seemed only for practice. The signal station near 
Hogan's house was close to a battery of 20-pounders, and thus 
received its sliare of projectiles. 

On the 2d of June, an officer at this station observed, with his 
telescope, a number of men moving on a spot of cleared ground, 
among the woods on the other side of the swamps of the Chicka- 
hominy, and beyond the enemy. They seemed to have just reached 
tlie place. They were about three miles distant and wore our 
uniform. This, however, had ceased to be distinctive ; the enemy 
wearing it, and with impunity, whenever they could obtain it. 
Two sio-nal officers, with their men, were ordered to cross the river 
at Sumner's Bridge, and to reach this spot, if found to be held by 
our army. It was dark when they reached this bridge, and 
it was found impassable. Early the next morning they crossed 
at the railroad, and, after a journey of about ten miles from their 
point of departure, reached the clearing on Golding's farm : which 
11 



46 

was found to bo occupied by the advanced pickets of General 
Burns' brigade. Their signals were seen at once, and answered 
from the station at Hogan's ; and it was then first known that our 
forces on the opposite side of the Chickahominy, were in view of 
each other. These stations were worked from this day until the 
morning of the battle of Gaines' Mills ; and, for the first days, 
with some danger, the enemy knowing the position of both and 
trying often to reach them with artillery. They were then, and 
for some time after, of importance — to communicate by courier 
between the points requiring a difficult ride of some seven miles. 
On the day following the occupation of this station, the division 
commanded by General Smith crossed the Chickahominy and en- 
camped on Golding's Farm. This signal line then became his 
mode of communication with General Headquarters, and so 
remained while headquarters were on the northern side of the 
Chickahominy. 

When it was proposed that General Smith's command should 
move on Old Tavern, officers were designated to accompany it. 
The make of the country was such that they could, while moving, 
have kept constant communication with the forces north of the 
Chickahominy. During these days stations were established, at 
different times, at Austin's liouse, at the bridges, and at the bat- 
teries near New Bridge, whenever movements were heard of as 
contemplated, or when unusual firing on our part, or on that of 
the enemy, offered a chance for service. With the left of the 
army the officers had, by this time, established perches in the tree- 
tops, and had gained a knowledge of localities which rendered 
their reports of some service to the Generals receiving them. 

About this time information was received at headquarters of 
the cavalry raid led by the rebel General Stuart, wlio, with two 
regiments and some horse artillery, passed the rear of our army, 
attacking the railroad train, and taking a number of prisoners, 
near Tunstall's Station. The news of this near approach of the 
enemy's forces created much alarm at the depot at White House, 
at which there were then but few of our forces. At the request 
of Colonel Ingalls, who commanded the depot, a signal officer, 
Lieut. F. W. Owen, 38th New York Volunteers and A. S. 0., 
came ashore from one of the Q-unboats and established a sta- 



47 

tion, that niglit, on one of tlie chimneys of the White House. 
The war vessels took positions in which they could cover the de- 
pot with their fire. The enemy did not attack it. 

On the 13th of June, General Hcadiiuarters moved to Camp 
Lincoln, on the south side of the Chickahominy. 

The field-telegraph wire which had been so long stretched to 
Mechanicsville, was, on this day, ordered to be reeled up, and the 
train to follow headquarters to the other side of the Chickahom- 
iny. On the next day, this wire was stretched through the woods 
to General Smith's lieadquarters at Gelding's, and the line was 
working. From this station at Gelding's, communication was 
kept, by signals, with the station at Hogan's, and with another 
station, not permanently established, at Austin's house, near Bea- 
ver Dam. There was a station of observation at Mechanicsville. 
The messages received from these stations at Gelding's, were 
transmitted by the field-telegraph line to General Headquarters, 
near Trent's house. Reports were required to be made three 
times each day and at midnight. The mist and smoke of the 
camps which overhung the valley often interfered with the regu- 
larity of the reports. There was, however, each day a general 
infaj-mation as to the condition and movements of the enemy 
visible from the stations. 

The signal party which had been serving with tlic left of the 
army here joined the main party. The different detachments 
serving with the Army of the Potomac, were, from this time, 
concentrated in one party, from which details were made for duty 
at different points as they were required. Experience had shown 
that a signal party serving with so large an army, was most use- 
fully managed when kept together, to be distributed at the order 
of the Chief Signal Officer to those points where, on any day, 
their services might be required. The Chief Signal Officer, in 
his turn, obtaining at headquarters such knowledge of the plans 
of our own army, and the position of the enemy, as would enable 
him to direct the details, at the proper time, to positions in whicli 
to take part in contemplated movements. Lieutenant Fisher, as 
senior officer, was placed in immediate charge of the party thus 
concentrated. 

Tt was the prevailing opinion now, that the battle of Richmond 



48 

would be fought on the open grounds, before mentioned, and 
whicli were now in our front, as we approached Old Tavern. 
Every preparation was made for the duties of the signal officers, 
when the army advanced. It would be their place, on the day of 
the attack, to keep in communication the forces whicli would be 
co-operating on both sides of the river. The country in front 
was favorable. The sickness, resulting from some months' ex- 
posure and hardship, began to tell seriously on the strength of 
the signal party, but those who remained were well drilled and 
waited with eager expectation. Each day evidences of the enemy 
in our front grew stronger. On the south side of the Chicka- 
hominy, picket jfiring was almost constant. It was stopped some 
time, by agreement. On the extreme left there were numerous 
skirmishes, some of them of such magnitude as to be almost 
battles. Shells were very often thrown into our lines, and were 
replied to by our artillery. In front of our right, stretching up 
the left bank of the Chickahominy, the enemy's earthworks grew 
more numerous, and their artillery was heavier. One day they 
brought a sixty-four pounder rifled gun, of which they had placed 
one or two in a battery, to bear upon the station at Hogan's, and 
fired deliberately at the officers, who steadily continued their 
signalling until ordered to cease. This station was made so fre- 
quently a target, that it was ordered to be moved to the edge of 
the woods, where it was hidden from the view of the enemy, 
though in range of their guns. With the same gun some shots 
were thrown at the station at Austin's, but failed to reach it. 
The shells from these guns were thrown far over our camps, op- 
posite to them, on the north side of the Chickaliominy. There 
were on our side no pieces of sufficient calibre to reply to them. 
A few days after, some four and one half inch rifled guns were 
received, and a day was sot aside, (the 25th of June,) to try their 
range upon the batteries and the camps of the enemy. 

ENGAGEMENT OF THE 25TH OF JUNE. 

On the 24th of June, orders were received to so arrange for 
the next day, signal parties, as to be able to direct, from the south 
side of the river, the fire of the heavy guns, to open on the fol- 



49 

lowing- day, from positions near Hogan's house, and also near 
G-aines's house. It was intended to silence the sixty-four's before 
mentioned ; and also to direct the fire upon an eartliwork in the 
vicinity of Old Tavern, and upon some positions of the enemy 
near Garnett's house. Lieutenants Camp and Wiggins, A. S. 0., 
who had been serving for some time at the Hogan station, peti- 
tioned that, as this was to be active service, they might remain 
during the cannonade. Three additional officers were ordered to 
join them, and Lieutenant W. S. Stryker, 9th New York State 
Militia, and A. S. 0., was sent to arrange the communications on 
the north side of the river. Lieutenant B. F. Fisher, A. S. 0., 
was sent, with a party of four officers, to report to General 
Smith, and was instructed to arrange the communications on the 
south side of the river. 

On the following morning, the officers were posted and were in 
communication, at the following points, in view of each other, 
viz : at the battery at Hogan's house, at New Bridge, at battery 
near Gaines's house, on Smith's redoubt, and in the edge of the 
woods near James Garnett's. The fire commenced at daylight, 
and was for a time met with a spirited reply by the enemy's guns. 
During this cannonade, a screen, which had been erected to hide 
Lieutenant Wiggins, (station near New Bridge,) from the view of 
the enemy, was penetrated, (at a moment his duties called him 
outside of it,) by a cannon shot from their guns. The fire for a 
time was quite severe. Later in the day the enemy's guns ceased 
to reply. 

In front of our left, our picket line extended through the open 
fields near Garne.tt's ; the enemy's line of pickets being in the 
same field, in view, and quite near them. As the sliots from our 
long-range guns, on the north side of the river fell, their range 
and effect were noticed by an officer on our picket line. Messages 
were sent, from time to time, by liim to an officer stationed beliind 
the first range of woods, whence the report went by signals to 
the batteries on the other side of the river. In the afternoon, 
the shots ranged near the earthworks at Old Tavern, and as they 
fell in the woods, close to them, shouts, as of masses of men, 
would now and. then be heard. Our guns were evidently so 
placed that they could seriously annoy the enemy and aid us in 



50 

our advance. The firing ceased at sunset. It was to be resumed 
on the following morning. Lieutenant B. F. Fisher, A. S. 0., 
was ordered to take charge of all t\}^ details for this duty, and 
to report to General Porter, at daylight. The signal telegraph 
line was ordered, this night, to be reeled up, and to report to 
General Porter in tlie morning. It was anticipated there might 
be an engagement on the north side of the river. 

ACTION IN FRONT OF FAIR OAKS ORCHARD. 

On the day that this cannonade was taking place on. our right, 
the action in front of Fair Oaks Orchard was fought upon our 
left. At this engagement there were present, at different times. 
Generals Hooker, Heintzleman, and McClellan. A detachment 
of four Signal Officers, with their men, Lieutenant W. G. Mc- 
Creary, 102d Pennsylvania Volunteers, and A. S. 0., command- 
ing, had been sent at daylight to report to General Hooker. In 
the action which ensued, Lieuts. McCreary and Denicke, A. S. 0., 
were posted in a tree-top in front of Casey's redoubt, {{. e., 
Nos. 2 and 3, campaign map,) from which they overlooked the 
positions of the enemy not visible from the ground. Hence mes- 
sages were sent, in reference to the direction and range of our 
artillery, then engaged, to Lieut. C. L. Kendall, 1st Massachu- 
setts Volunteers, and A. S. 0., stationed with the batteries. The 
movements of the enemy's troops, visible from this position, were 
reported to General Heintzleman. The station in the tree-top 
was rendered unpleasant by occasional shots from the enemy's 
sharpshooters. In addition to the services rendered by report- 
ing the location and movements of the enemy, the reports from 
this station caused to be stopped, during the action, the fire of 
one of our batteries, which was persistently throwing its shells 
among our own men. The reports of Lieutenants McCreary and 
Kendall, A. S. 0., (Sub-reports 21, 3,) herewith, have reference 
to this action. Preliminary mention is also made of this action 
in my report of July 18, 1862. The station was held until after 
the action had ceased. General Hooker requested that this de- 
tachment should be returned to him each day, while he held this 
position. (Sub-report 13.) 



51 



EVACUATION OF WHITE HOUSE. 



Early on the morning; of June 26, a report received at liead- 
quarters from Lieut. Fisher, then at General Porter's headquar- 
ters, indicated tliat our heavy Latteries near there would not open 
on that day. At noon on this day it was first intimated to the 
Signal Officer that an attack by tlie enemy in force upon our 
right, on the north side of the Chickahomiuy, and upon our de- 
pot at White House, was anticipated, and that a change of base 
to James river might be necessary. A telegram was instantly 
sent to General Casey, then commanding at White House, re- 
questing that a staging for a signal station be raised at once 
upon the roof of the White House. Lieut. W. L. Stryker, A. S. 0., 
was ordered to proceed from General Headquarters to White 
House, and, assuming charge of the communications there, to ar- 
range with the Signal Officers upon the gunboats for their prompt 
co-operation. Lieut. Stryker left immediately for his station, 
some twenty miles distant. By noon of the ^following day the 
communications had been arranged. From this moment until the 
last of the evacuation tlie Signal Officers here, (on shore and on 
shipboard,) were actively on duty. To the perfect understanding 
thus had between our land and naval forces may be attributed, in 
some degree, the success of the complete evacuation of that depot 
in the face of an advancing enemy. Brig. General Stoneman, 
falling back with his light brigade on his way to Yorktown, here 
arranged, by signal messages, to place his wearied infantry on 
the vessels, and requested that a Signal Officer accompany him on 
his march down the Peninsula. Lieutenant F. W. Owen, 38tli 
New York Volunteers, and A. S. 0., was detailed for that pur- 
pose. The last message sent announced the close approach of the 
enemy. A few moments later the fleet of transports got under 
weigh. The White House was set on fire, by some unknown per- 
son, after the last officer and man connected with the Signal 
Corps had left it. (Sub-reports 2, 18, 8.) 



52 



BATTLE OF MECHANICSVILLE, 



About 4, P. M., on the 26th of June, a message from Lieut. 
Fislier, A. S. 0., then at Hogan's house, north of the Chickahom- 
iny, announced that the enemy were moving down the north side 
•of the Chickahominy, that there would be a battle at Mechanics- 
ville, and that all the troops then on the north side had been or- 
dered to be ready to cross to the south of the Chickahominy. 

Lieut. Fisher was about to leave, witli the ofiicers collected 
from the different signal stations near him, for the point at which 
the battle was expected. Very soon after a message from Gen- 
eral Reynolds announced that, with the troops under his com- 
mand, he had fallen back to a predetermined position, near Bea- 
ver Dam. At almost the same time this message was received, 
the roar of tire battle at Mechanicsville made it evident it had 
€ommenced. 

At the commencement of this battle Lieut. Fisher distributed 
his officers as follows, viz : Lieut. Beckett, A. S. 0., with a bat- 
tery on the right of our line, about one hundred yards from a 
prominent house on the field ; Lieut. Homer, A. S. 0., with the 
extreme right; Lieut. Wiggins, A. S. 0., with the reserve. 
Lieut. Fisher, with Lieut. Birney, took post on the roof of the 
liouse mentioned, and at which a battery was stationed. From 
tliese positions, which were occupied as points of observation, tlie 
officers were able, by the aid of their glasses, to obtain informa- 
tion which could not otherwise have readily been given. Their 
reports were made to the diff"erent commanders near whom they 
were serving. Signals were not used upon the field of battle. 
The fire upon the stations occupied by the officers upon this field 
was quite severe. The fire of artillery continued until about nine 
o'clock at night ; and when it closed, our troops everywhere had 
held their positions. During this action, one officer had been 
left at the Hogan station, communicating with the station on 
Gelding's farm. It was presumed that this station was constantly 
watched by the enemy. 

There is always a possibility that the key to signal communi- 
cations may be, by accident or betrayal, in the possession of tlie 



53 

enemy. It is customary, for tins reason, to disguise true mes- 
sages, and to send, with an especial signal, messages intended to 
deceive. On this night, as soon as the firing had ceased, the 
Chief Signal Officer instructed the Hogan station to send, in 
plain view of the enemy, the message, " The five divisions liavo 
arrived." 

As our forces intended to leave the position, this message, if it 
could by any accident be interpreted by the enemy, would lead 
them to believe that we proposed to hold it. No otlier messages 
were sent tliis night. 

The field-telegraph train, which had arrived from the south 
side of the Chickahominy, on the morning of this day, had been 
ordered to be extended from General Porter's headquarters 
which, later in the day, (during the battle,) was the position of 
General McClellan, to a point near Coal Harbor. The wire had 
been reeled out accordingly. It had fallen again among new 
troops, who investigated its composition by cutting it ; and the 
of&cer going to Coal Harbor had been warned that the enemy 
were approaching that position, and that it would not be held by 
our troops. The line was not working. Under these circum- 
stances, the wire was now ordered to be reeled up, and the train 
to recross the river. At about 10 o'clock, the officers and men 
collected from the field of battle were gathered at Hogan 's sta- 
tion, and arrangements were made for them to take part in the 
battle of the following day. It was the common impression, at 
this time, that a great battle would be fought, the next day, on 
the south side of the Chickahominy. Lieut. Fisher was ordered 
to return to the Signal Camp, near General Headquarters, and to 
join, at daylight, with additional officers, the party on the north 
side of the Chickahominy, to serve with General Porter. The 
remainder of the party, (with the exception of four officers de 
tached to General Hooker,) fit for duty, was ordered to be at the 
station at Golding's farm, equipped, and there to await orders to 
move with the forces on the south side of the river. 

The officers in charge of the wagons of the signal detachment 
were ordered to be ready to strike camp at any time, and to ac- 
company the movement of General Headquarters. (Sub-reports, 
17, 26, 22. 34, 36, 37.) 
12 



54 



BATTLE OF GAINES S MILL. 



Before daylight, on the 27th of June, the sound of cannon an 
nouuccd that the battle had recommenced. Word was sent to 
Lieut. Fisher to carry out the instructions given him the night 
before. The signal detachment serving at Gaines's Mill num- 
bered eight officers, with their flag men. 

As our troops fell back from Mechanicsville, the station at 
Hogan's house was abandoned, tlie enemy's skirmishers being 
then in the same piece of woods, and not far distant. 

When our forces took up their position near Gaines's Mill, 
Lieutenant Fisher disposed of the officers of his command as fol- 
lows, viz : Lieutenant Gloskoski, A. S. 0., was stationed near 
the north end of Duane's bridge, whence he observed and re- 
ported the movements of the enemy, in the valley of the Chicka- 
hominy, at points where they crossed the river from the south to 
the north side, to take part in the action, and upon the heights 
on the north side adjacent to the stream. These reports were 
signalled to Lieutenant Camp, A. S. 0., stationed near General 
Porter's headquarters. Lieutenants Wiggins and Fisher were 
upon the right of the army, and reported the appearance and ad- 
vance of the enemy coming in the direction of Gaines's Mill and 
Coal Harbor. These reports were sent to Lieutenant Homer, 
near General Porter's headquarters. Lieutenants Tompkins and 
Becket, were ordered to open communication across tlie Chicka- 
hominy, from a point near General Porter's headquarters, to a 
point near General Smith's headquarters. These officers failed 
to make this communication. The persistence with which some 
of the officers held their stations in the ensuing battle of that 
day attracted attention. Lieutenant Gloskoski, reporting from 
the left, early drew upon himself the fire of the enemy's guns, to 
which he paid but little attention, and held his station until the 
destruction of the bridge behind him rendered it necessary tliat 
he should change his station. (Sub-report, 26.) 

The station on the right was held by the officers upon it, until 
they were notified that to hold it longer, while it involved very 
great risk, would be useless. From all the stations reports were 



55 

sent to General Porter, near the Adams House, as the enemy- 
drew near, and until in the smoke and confusion of the general 
engagement messages could no longer be sent. 

About 2 p. m., the Chief Signal Officer received instructions 
from the General Commanding to open communication from the 
position then occupied by the General, near Trent's House, to 
General Porter's headquarters, on the field of battle, on the north 
side of the river. It would have been easy to carry out this 
order had it been earlier given ; and it would have been possible 
to do so had our troops on the north side been able to hold their 
position. As the action resulted, the stations — one at Trent's 
House, the other in a tree, near General Porter's headquarters — 
were no sooner determined upon than it became necessary to 
abandon them. With tlie retreat of our forces, at sunset, eflorts 
to establish this communication ceased. During the progress of 
this engagement, Lieut. Denicke, Cameron Rifles, and A. S. 0., 
stationed at Smith's redoubt, was able to render some service 
by reporting the effects, noticed with his telescope, of the shots 
directed from a battery of 20-pounder guns, there stationed, upon 
the enemy, appearing near Gaines's Mill. 

The detachment held in reserve, on the south side of the river, 
rendered, on this day, no material assistance. There was no ad- 
vance of our forces in which they could take part. Late in the 
afternoon, some of them were placed upon stations near Smith's 
redoubt, at Trent's House, and at two farm-houses at different 
points lower down on the Chickahominy, one of these being the 
Dudley House, to endeavor to communicate with the stations on 
the field, on the north side of the river. It was impossible to 
effect this ; and when our forces, after the battle, retired across 
the Chickahominy, the officers of both parties rejoined their camp 
near General Headquarters. Headquarter's camp had moved, on 
the afternoon of this day, and was established this night at 
Savage Station. (Sub-reports, 26, 30.) 

ENCAMPMENT AT SAVAGE STATION. 

On the next day, (Saturday,) there was no general engagement. 
The greater portion of the signal party, wearied by the duties of 



56 

the two preceding- days and nights, were kept in camp to rest, 
and to be at hand, if they were needed. A detachment of four 
officers, with their men, Lieutenant W. G. McCreary, A. S. 0., 
commanding, was sent to report to General Hooker in front. 

About noon, this day, it was known that the enemy, victorious 
at Gaines's Mill, had reached the line of the railroad to White 
House, and their cavalry was seen near Bottom's Bridge. Tele- 
graphic communication with the depot at White House was 
broken. At very nearly the same time, Lieut. Hastings, A. S. 0., 
who had started from White House on the morning of this day, 
with a wagonload of signal stores, and without escort, and 
who had crossed his wagon at the ford at Bottom's Bridge, (the 
bridge being destroyed,) in the presence of the enemy's cavalry, 
reported to the Chief Signal Officer, at General Headquarters' 
camp, his safe arrival, with his charge, on the south side of the 
Chickahominy. This was the last arrival of wagons from the 
depot on the Pamunkey. Lieutenant Hastings was ordered to 
join, with his train, the great trains, by this time moving on all 
main roads towards the new base upon tlie James river. 

Early this morning the Chief Signal Officer had been notified 
that General Keyes' corps had crossed the White Oak Swamp, 
and was near Charles City Cross-Roads. He was instructed to 
send two signal officers, with their men to report to him. In 
obedience to this order. Lieutenant Charles Herzhog, A. S. 0., 
and Franklin Ellis, A. S. 0., were ordered to join General Keyes. 
They were supplied with rockets ; and a code of rocket signals 
was arranged, by which, if rockets could be seen, communication 
could be had, from the position held by General Keyes to Gene- 
ral Headquarters. They were further ordered that, having first 
obtained the permission of General Keyes, they would push on 
to the James river and put themselves in communication, if pos- 
sible, witli the naval forces there lying. 

Tlie dense woods of the White Oak Swamp, beyond which 
General Keyes' forces were, precluded the possibility of signalling 
by flags by day. An attempt was made to run out the telegraph 
wires to reach his headquarters. It was laid for a short distance. 
The thronging of the immense trains upon the road leading from 
Savage Station to White Oak Swamp, and the imperfect cliarac- 



57 

ter of the apparatus, rendered its further extension impossible ; 
and the effort was, after some hours, abandoned. The wire was 
ordered to be reeled up ; and the officers in charge of the train 
were instructed to move it, as soon as there was opportunity, to- 
ward James river. At sunset, officers were stationed to watch 
for the rockets, should any be thrown up by General Keyes's corps. 
During- this day large forces of the enemy could be seen from near 
Dudley's house, moving on the north side of the Chickahominy, 
in the direction of the railroad, and on the roads leading to White 
House. 

Our forces in front, and on the south side of the Chickahominy, 
occupied their usual lines. Large numbers of wounded, (from 
the fields of Mechauicsville and Gaines's Mill,) were gathered at 
the Savage House, and in the grounds surrounding it, at the rail- 
road station. 

The wagons of the signal party were kept packed, and the party 
was held in readiness to move. By evening it had become gen- 
erally understood that the headquarters were to move that night ; 
and the order had been circulated that all were to be in prepar- 
ation to march at the shortest notice. The tents were finally 
struck at about 2 a. m. (Sub-reports 11, 26, 22, 36.) 

MOVEMENT FROM SAVAGE STATION. 

It had been raining during the night ; and at daylight a thick 
fog was hiding tlie movements of both armies. Instructions were 
given before dawn, to Lieutenant Fisher, to report, at daylight, 
with a party of five officers and their flag-men, at General Smith's 
headquarters, still near Gelding's farm ; and, afterwards to ac- 
company any movement of the troops of that portion of the army, 
now our riglit, during the ensuing day. A station of observation 
was ordered to be established at Dudley's house. Four officers, 
with their men, were to report, as usual, at daylight, to General 
Hooker. The remainder of the party was to be in reserve, near 
Savage Station, and there to wait for their orders. All trains 
were to move at once for the depot on James river. Soon after 
daylight, it was evident that the general movement of the army, 
which had been taking place, drew near its completion. The rear 



58 

of the last trains, moving from the front, was in the open fields 
surrounding Savage Station. 

Headquarters moved across White Oak Swamp. 

About 7 a, m. the fog, which had shut out everything, lifted ; 
and, from the station at Dudley's house, long lines of the enemy's 
troops could be seen moving on the north side of the river, as if 
toward White House, and halted at the different roads leading 
from the bridges. The movement was evidently in force. A re- 
port of these facts was sent by courier to General McClellan. 
One hour later, the forces under General Franklin, moving back 
from our lines in front, by way of Trent^ house, began to occupy 
positions at Dudley's house and near Savage Station. The signal 
officers serving with this portion of the army, stationing them- 
selves on trees, and on house-tops, as the troops moved back, re- 
ported to General Franklin and his division commanders such 
movements of the enemy as they could see, until the enemy's 
pickets had crossed the river from the nortliern side ; and, until, 
in the afternoon, the last troops moved from Dudley's house, to 
go upon tlie battle-field at Savage Station, the officer upon Dud- 
ley's station leaving it with the rear guard. At noon, the troops 
under Generals Hooker and Heintzleman were occupying the 
second line of defences in front of Savage Station, and on both 
sides of the Williamsburgh road. There were occasional skir- 
mishes and exchanges of cannon shots near this place, but tlie 
enemy had not shown themselves in force. The sounds of a slight 
engagement near Sumner's position, were audible for a time, but 
soon ceased. The troops were everywhere on the alert and in 
good spirits, and the retreat seemed making with precision. 
Squads of men were at this time destroying, at Savage Station, 
property it had been found necessary to leave behind. 

Close to the Williamsl)urgh road, at Savage Station, a siege 
howitzer, a piece of the siege train, had become disabled by some 
breakage of its carriage. Tlie officer in charge had piled wood 
under and on top of it ; and setting fire to the mass, which blazed 
up fiercely, was quietly waiting (some time after the gun had been 
rendered useless) for its entire destruction. A train of cars laden 
with ammunition and provisions, stood on the railroad track close 
to the station. This was being dismantled. A great pile of boxes 



59 

of hard-broad stood by the road, close to tlic hospital. This had 
to be left, it was said, for the sick and wounded. 

The wagon trains had passed out of view from Savage Station 
There remained only the troops designated to hold, for a time, 
this position. 

The signal officers who had reported to General Hooker in the 
morning, tliough reconnoitering, had not been called upon for 
any active service. The reserve party had yet remained at 
Savage Station. (Sub-reports 2, 14, 22.) 

THE BATTLE OF SAVAGE STATION. 

Early in the afternoon, the troops of Generals Sumner and 
Franklin, falling back upon the positions they had held in the 
morning, began to form their line upon what was to be the battle- 
field. About 4, p. m., the laden train of cars standing upon the 
track was fired. Another train, attached to a locomotive, was 
started at speed, and without guidance, towards the broken rail- 
road bridge crossing the Chickahominy. Soon after, a terrific 
explosion in that direction announced the destruction of large 
supplies of ammunition. Our lines were formed upon the east 
side of the open grounds at Savage Station, the left of the line 
extending into the woods upon the south side of the Williams- 
burgh road. As the line was forming, the signal officers, who had 
been held ready during the day, together with those coming in 
with the different bodies of troops, were assigned to stations. 

Lieutenants Birney and Yates, A. S. 0., were posted on the 
Williamsburgh road, as far towards the front as they could be 
visible, with instructions that one of the party should proceed 
yet further toward the enemy, supposed to be approacliing in tliat 
direction, to reconnoiter ; and returning, his reports should be 
sent by signals to the central station, placed near the point at 
which the Williamsburgh road leaves (going toward White Oak 
Swamp) at Savage Station. 

Lieutenant Wiggins was placed at a point where the railroad 
track first enters the cleared ground from the direction of Rich- 
mond. Hence the railroad is a long way visible. Lieutenant 



Wiggins was to report any advance of the enemy upon the rail- 
road or from that direction. 

Lieutenant Tompkins, A. S. 0., was placed where the right 
of our line rested on the deep cut of the railroad east of Savage 
House. He was to report any force appearing on our right by 
the road from Trent's House or over the bridges of the Chicka- 
hominy. 

At the central station were posted Lieuts. Neel, Marston, 
and Denicke, A. S. 0. The arrangements were hardly completed 
when a message from the station on tlie Williamsburgh road, 
and a verbal report made by an officer from that station, an- 
nouncing the enemy as not far distant and moving on the railroad 
slowly, and with artillery. This report was sent to General 
Sumner. Other reports soon indicated the presence of the enemy 
at other points in our front. The shells from their guns began 
to strike in the edge of the woods, near the signal officers there 
stationed. A final report from Lieut. Wiggins estimated the 
distance of the enemy from his station in yards. These reports 
were sent to General Sumner, who, in reply to the last, said he 
was coming upon the field in person. The officers were ordered 
in from the advanced stations. General Sumner came upon 
the field. 

At the commencement of the action, which now opened, some 
shells were thrown from a howitzer on the enemy's right, near 
Williamsburgh road, directly among the tents crowded with the 
wounded surrounding Savage Station. A white flag, sent by the 
hospital, was met by the enemy, and thereafter the range of his 
ffuns was carefullv altered. No other shells fell among the suf- 
ferers. A few moments later, the enemy showed themselves on 
the line of the railway, and opened upon the troops near the cen- 
tral signal station with a gun of the heaviest calibre. The piece 
is reported to have been either an 8-inch columbiad or a 64- 
pounder rifle, mounted upon a railway car and moved upon the 
railway. The range and service of the piece were splendid, and 
its fire was most annoying until silenced by a battery of Parrott 
guns near our center. The signal flag offered too perfect a mark 
to be used among troops in its presence, and the station here. 



f31 

with the one established before the action on the riglit of our line, 
and now practically useless, ceased working. 

Much of the battle of Savage Station was fought on open 
ground. Our lines advancing across the plain to close with the 
enemy, who held the edge of the woods on the west side of the 
cleared ground, from the railroad to beyond the Williamsburgh 
road. The musketry firing, as the lines closed with each other, 
was very severe. As our difierent lines moved up, it was thought 
at one time, it would be necessary to establish a signal station 
far to the front, and at a point much exposed to the enemy. 
Lieuts. Camp and Denecke, A. S. 0., volunteered to work this 
station, and took their places witli th.e line, ready to move up 
when it should be ordered. 

By the time the line had advanced, the enemy had been driven 
back, and the station was unnecessary. It was dark when tlie 
conflict ended. It was fully 9 o'clock before the reports were re- 
ceived from the battle-field. The place of combat, on which 
they sought the dead and wounded with torches, the train of cars 
yet burning on the railway track, a hospital and large grounds 
crowded with the suffering of other battles, and long lines of 
troops lit up, now and then, with a lurid light, by the explosions 
of ammunition among tlie burning stores, were some of the inci- 
dents of the scene. 

Some time after dark, the Chief Signal Officer was requested, 
by General Sumner, to carry to General McClellan, then on the 
other side of the White Oak Swamp, the message, that he liad 
repulsed the enemy, after a severe action, and with severe loss on 
both sides ; that he was confident that he could repulse their whole 
force again in the morning ; and that he was most anxious to 
hold his then position, at Savage Station. 

The message caused some excitement, upon its delivery at 
General Headquarters. The signal party, at Savage Station, 
bivouacked near the battle-field. 

The troops under General Heintzleman moved from the works 
which they had been holding during the day, at about tlie same 
time that the line of battle was formed at Savage Station. These 
troops crossed the White Oak Swamp on roads higher up than 
those leading over the principal crossing, The signal officers ac- 
13 



62 

companied the columns. There was no occasion for their active 
service. 

General Headquarters' camp was established, this night, on the 
south side of White Oak Swamp. Our troops were all night 
moving over from Savage Station. The enemy, quieted by the 
sharp check they had received in their defeat of the afternoon, 
showed no signs of immediate pressing the pursuit. On this 
night, as on the days and nights before, the great trains were to 
be found, stretched out upon the road, or moving slowly to their 
destination. 

The signal party, which had bivouacked near Savage Station, 
after the battle, crossed the swamp at about 4 a. m. They rested 
near the crossing. 

The morning of June 30th, was clear and pleasant. On this 
day was to be made the last march necessary to place the troops 
in the new position on the James river. The troops, everywhere, 
were in motion — seemingly in good spirits. The trains moved 
steadily upon the roads, without confusion, halting at times to 
allow the cavalry and artillery to pass to the front, to take up 
their assigned positions. 

The corps commanded by General Keyes was well in advance, 
and known to be near the river. General Headquarters were at 
a house upon the road, near where the camp had been about three 
miles from White Oak Swamp. Soon after they were established 
here, the signal detachment assigned to General Hooker, of Gen- 
eral Heintzleman's corps, the preceding day, reported for duty. 
They were instructed to hasten forward with General Keyes's 
advance, and on»his arrival near the James, to put that officer in 
communication with the gunboats. 

Lieutenant Herzog also reported here, in person, the fact that 
Lieutenant Ellis and himself, had, in obedience to orders given on 
Saturday, at Savage Station, accompanied a small party of 
cavalry, sent forward by General Keyes ; had reached James 
river on the night before ; and had there boarded one of our war 
vessels ; that he had again visited the James river, on the night 
of the 29th, whence he had now just returned. (Sub-report 46.) 
The position of the fleet had been ascertained. No enemy in 
force had been seen, going or returning. The report was read to 



63 

General McClellan. The officer was ordered to join Genera 
Keyes. Headquarters soon after moved upon the road to Harri- 
son's Landing. 

The signal detachment, which had bivouacked near White Oak 
crossing, was, with the exception of two officers, retained with 
himself by Lieutenant Fisher, this morning ordered forward by 
that officer, to report to the Chief Signal Officer, at General 
Headquarters. This party reported just in time to be present at 
the first engagement on Malvern Hill. Before noon. General 
Keyes, with the advance, had reached the James river, without 
encountering the enemy, and all the roads of communication 
were open. The corps commanded by General Fitz John Porter 
was at and on the roads near Malvern Hill. 

The signal officers who liad accompanied the fleet from James 
river, were in communication with those who had been sent for- 
ward with General Keyes, and a perfect understanding of their 
relative movements and positions had been thus given by the land 
and naval forces. Communication had been opened from a point 
just below Haxall's to the flag-ship Galena lying off City Point. 
The rear of the army was yet at White Oak Swamp. The change 
of base, to the James river, seemed to be a thing accomplished, 
and that without molestation. A very short time afterwards, the 
tumult of the cannonade, at White Oak Swamp, announced the 
enemy's attack in that direction. 

The position of Malvern Hill, nearly two miles from the James 
river, and yet commanding a view of that stream, is, perhaps, as 
perfect as could be chosen for combining, by the use of signals, the 
operations and the fire of the land and naval forces. From the 
summit of the hill, the roads leading to Richmond by the river, 
and passing Turkey Bridge, are overlooked ; and even when the 
roads approaching pass through dense timber, the dust raised 
by moving columns, showing through the tree-tops, indicates to an 
observer, here placed, their position. A signal station was now 
ordered to be established on the roof of a small house at this 
point. 

A station of observation was ordered to be placed on Haxall's 
house ; whence a long view is had of the river and the roads 
near it. 



64 

Two officers were placed on board the gunboat " Aroostook/' 
which lay in sight of the station at Malvern Hill, and, also, of 
the Haxall station. There was one officer (Lieut. Cluoj, A. S. 0.,) 
on board of the flag-ship " Galena," which had now moved 
up to near Haxall's from lower down the river. All this time, 
sounds of a general conflict in our rear were increasing. The 
battles of White Oak Swamp, New Market, and Glendalc, had 
opened and were progressing. The Commanding General, who, 
leaving Haxall's, had ridden toward the front at the first sounds 
of tlie cannonade, returned and went on board the flag-ship, to 
confer with the Naval Commander. A signal message was sent 
to him from Malvera Hill, reporting the line of communication 
open. Orders were sent to the signal officers on board the gun- 
boats, to watch the station on Malvern Hill, in case they went 
into action. Soon after this. Lieutenant W. G. McCrearj, 102d 
Pennsylvania Volunteers and A. S. 0., stationed on a house at 
Haxall's, noticed about five miles up the river, and approaching, 
clouds of dust, which, as he thought, indicated the movement of 
a column of the enemy. The fact, mentioned by him to two offi- 
cers of the General Staff, attracted no attention. 

Watching this movement for some time, during which lie was 
able to form an estimate of the strength of tlie supposed column, 
and the distance it had advanced, Lieutenant McCreary reported 
the fact to General McClellan, still on board the " Galena." An 
instant reply inquired how far the enemy were distant ; and the 
answer was met by the announcement, that the gunboats would 
move up and shell them. 

The Haxall station was ordered to immediately report, by sig- 
nals, to the General any further facts of interest tliat might occur. 
The gunboats were got under way at once ; and signals passed 
from one to another, to " Come on and shell the enemy." At this 
time, we had strong batteries on Malvern Hill, and a considerable 
force in that vicinity. The plain on top of the hill was crowded 
witli wagons ; and the stragglers from the remainder of the army, 
were being here gathered and formed together. There were prep- 
arations to meet an attack, but it was not expected immediately. 

The enemy's column, moving down the river road, came rapid- 
ly through the woods to a point within close range, and opened 



65 

on the heights with field artillery. The long line of dust in the 
woods and beyond them, marked the positions of their infantry. 
The contest was rapid and decisive. With the first of the enemy 's 
shells, the hill was cleared, as if by magic, of wagons and stragglers, 
which went down the hill together, and rapidly on to Haxall's, 
by hundreds. Our batteries on the hill came promptly into posi- 
tion and opened in reply, while the great guns of the fleet threw 
in their shells fairly among the enemy. Almost as soon as the 
gunboats had left Haxall's station, the signal station on Malvern 
Hill had come into view to the signal officers stationed on the 
mast-tops ; and the signal messages from the field, " fire one mile 
to tlie right," " good shot," " fire low and into the woods near 
the shore," &c., were reported to the gunners in a few minutes 
after their broadsides were opened. The gunboats continued 
their fire for some time after the land batteries had ceased, and 
until the enemy's columns, repulsed and scattered, were out of 
range and hidden from view. 

With the first lull of the firing, came inquiries, by signals, from 
General McClellan, as to the progress of the battle, still raging 
with other parts of the army. The reply, from General Porter, 
brought the Commanding General quickly on shore, and on the 
field, which he reached after night-fall. Messages went to and 
fro between the field and the gunboats until after dark, when the 
vessels moved down the river. At the beginning of this action, 
the signal flag, stationed and working, on a house on Malvern 
Hill, directly in front of the enemy's batteries, seemed to attract 
their attention, and several shots, some of them passing very 
close, were thrown at it. No injury was done, however, and the 
working was not suspended. The number of messages crowded 
on this station from all parts of the army, was too great to admit 
that all of them should be sent. 

During the action, other stations were established, communicat- 
ing from the position of General Porter, after he came upon the 
field, to where our advanced batteries, under General Griffin, 
stationed a mile distant, on the Quaker road, were firing on the 
enemy. Some messages were thence communicated to General 
Porter. These field stations were withdrawn at dark. A detail 
of officers and men was posted at the Malvern Hill stations, to be 



66 

on the alert throughout the night, in the case of an emergency ; 
and an officer was sent to one of the gunboats, by the order of 
General McClellan, to open communication thence, that night, if 
it was practicable. The vessels had moved so far down the river 
that the signals were not visible. The stations at Haxall's, com- 
municating with the fleet near there, were retained. Mention 
has beeu made of the names of officers in my preliminary report, 
(Sub-report 1,) lierewith, (Sub-reports 3, 2, 13, 24, 17, 24,) refer to 
this engagement. The Headquarters' camp was, this night, at 
Haxall's station. The next day was fought tlie principal battle 
of Malvern Hill. (Sub-reports 3, 0, 17, 21, 26, 27, 24.) 

THE BATTLE OP MALVERN HILL. 

The preparations for this battle commenced at daylight. The 
officers who had been placed on board the fleet the preceding 
day, had remained throughout tlie niglit. Other officers were now 
sent to the vessels, which it was expected would take part in the 
action. The stations on Malvern Hill and at Haxall's, remained 
as they had before been posted. Orders were sent to Lieutenant 
Fisher who, arriving from White Oak Swamp, reported for duty, 
this morning, to establish stations on the right and left of our 
lines, (which the whole army had formed in the night,) near Mal- 
vern Hill, and as far in front as was practicable. The central 
station was to be near the station communicating with the navy, 
which was also near the position occupied by General Porter on 
the crest of Malvern Hill. In obedience to this order Lieutenant 
Camp, A. S. O., was posted on the house at General Heintzle- 
man's headquarters, communicating with Lieutenant McCreary, 
A. S. 0., stationed near General Porter. Lieutenants Gloskoski 
and Ellis, A. S. 0., near the headquarters of General Couch, on 
the left, communicating with Lieutenant Wiggins, A. S. 0., at 
the central station. Lieutenants Birney and Yates, A. S. 0., on 
the station to communicate with the fleet. The station at Hax- 
all's was occupied by Lieutenant Kendall, A. S. 0- All these 
lines were working fairly before the enemy had made any attack 
in force. The naval forces held the same position as on yester- 
day, and awaited the word of the General Commanding on the 



67 

field, how and where to throw their fire. Signal officers were in 
the tops of each, by whom the signal messages were read or sent. 
About noon the enemy advanced on our left ; our batteries opened 
on the land, and a signalled order brought to their assistance the 
fire of the fleet, the shells of the great guns passed high over 
portions of our army, and plunging into the woods, through which 
the enemy were moving. The conflict, at this point terminated, 
after a severe struggle, with the repulse of the enemy. One of 
the first messages sent from the signal station on the left, was a 
call for more men. At that time our lines seemed hard pressed. 
A message from this station announced to General McClellan 
upon his arrival on the field about 2 p. ra., the repulse of the 
enemy then just eff"ected by General Couch's division. During 
this contest, this signal station was found to be under so severe a 
fire, xhat it was necessary to order it to be moved to where it 
could be better covered from view. It was then posted behind 
a fringe of trees, and there worked, under fire, throughout the 
day. In the lull of the engagement, after the first attack, and 
when the firing recommenced, (in the afternoon,) it was engaged 
with frequent messages relating to our own troops, and to the 
enemy. Reports of various character and importance passed 
over this line until night, when with the final repulse of the op- 
posing army, the officers were put upon niglit stations, where our 
lines of battle had been, and there remained working until the 
order came, late at night, to evacuate the position. 

The forces on the right were not extensively engaged this day, 
and few communications passed over the line extended to General 
Heintzleman. The communication with the naval vessels througli 
all this day was complete. The fire of their guns was controlled 
by the General on the field as readily as was that of his own 
batteries. 

The message to open fire, cease firing, to fire rapidly, to fire 
slowly, to fire to the right or left, to alter the elevation of the 
guns, the ranges, the length of the fuses, etc., passed continuously. 
At one time the order went to fire only single guns, and to wait 
after each the signal report of the shot. About 6 p. m., while 
the last attack was raging, it was signalled, " fire rapidly, this is 
the crisis of the day !" 



68 

The fire of the navy covered the left of our army. It was 
turned upon an enemy more than two miles from the ships, in the 
woods, and invisible from the vessels, with precision. It was 
not the fault of naval officers or men that one or two of the shells 
struck in our own ranks. The guns had been trained, in obedi- 
ence to signal messages, closer and closer to our lines, until the 
variation usual in such long flights of the shell caused the acci- 
dent. 

It must be borne in mind that, from early in the day till dark, 
they threw an almost continuous fire, and, sometimes, by broad- 
sides, along the flank of our army, and over a part of it, up to its 
front. The letter of Commodore Rogers, herewith, (paper J,) 
and the reports of Lieutenants Fislier, McCreary, Marston, 
Yates, Birney, Gloskoski, A. S. 0., (Sub-reports, 13, 24, 3, 40, 
27, 7, 26,) have reference to this battle. The attention of the 
General Commanding the army was called to the names of some 
of the officers present, in my report of July 22, 1862. 

The battle of Malvern Hill closed after dark, with a terrific 
cannonade, and the absolute repulse of the enemy. The plain 
was held by our troops, and the foe, beaten everywhere, were 
flying. The signal officers were ordered to bivouac at their sta- 
tion, to be ready to join the expected movement of the troops at 
daylight. 

MOVEMENT FROM MALVERN HILL. 

About an hour later, the Chief Signal Officer, then at the de- 
serted camping ground at Haxall's, whence headquarters had 
that evening moved to Harrison's Landing, was informed that 
the whole army would move that night for Harrison's Landing ; 
and he was ordered to arrange such communication that General 
McClellan, who would remain on board the " Galena," off Hax- 
all's, might be in communication with General Keyes, whose 
camp Avas the rear guard, and be also informed of the manner in 
which the march was made, and of any occurrences in relation 
to it. 

An order was sent to the signal party upon the battle-field, 



(39 

notifying the officers of the order, and directing tliem to accom- 
pany the movement of the troops. 

Lieutenant Kendall, A. S. 0., established a station on the 
bank of the river, and through the night reported, from time to 
time, to General McClellan, through Lieutenant Clum, A. S. 0., 
upon the flagship, the names of the different corps and divisions, 
and the times, as they passed on the road on their march down 
the river. 

A message was also sent at dawn, reporting the condition of 
the troops, and the character and condition of the march ; the 
General Commanding the array communicated with General Keyes 
in reference to it. 

Soon after daylight, the movement was so far completed that 
the last troops and trains were passing. The corps of General 
Keyes was in position to cover the roads on which our forces 
were moving. It was raining heavily. A message was received 
from General McClellan a little later, about 9 a. m., announcing 
his departure to superintend the landing of fresh troops at Har- 
rison's Landing ; and the flagship moved down the river. 

The signal station held up to this time by Lieutenant Kendall 
was now abandoned. 

At about this hour, the last wagons of the trains were entering 
the clearing at Haxall's. The rear guard of tlie army was cross- 
ing the bridge over Turkey creek, already swollen by the torrents 
of rain which had fallen. The timbers of the bridge had been 
partially cut, and trees on the sides of the road were weakened 
to obstruct it as soon as the rear guard had passed. 

The trains, though retarded by swelling streams and the mud, 
were moving in good order upon the road ; and General Keyes, 
whose corps covered the rear, had every confidence that the 
movement would be completed with success. 

In this movement from Haxall's to Harrison's Landing the 
roads were at one time so encumbered that trains were not per- 
mitted to move upon them. It was thought some of the wagons 
would be lost. In these circumstances the instruments taken 
from the field-telegraph were sent forward upon horse-back. The 
reels of wire were to follow as occasion offered. Of these, one 
14 



70 

of these reached Harrison's Landing in safet3\ The other, broken 
upon the road, was destroyed by the officer in charge. 

The last detachment of two signal officers and their men, who 
had been kept back to enable the rear to be covered by the naval 
guns, if necessary, now rejoined General Headquarters, estab- 
lished at Harrison's Landing, six miles below Haxall's. A re- 
port of the state of the march was made to the General Com- 
manding. 

The road from HaxalFs to Harrison's Lauding is at many 
points, if not throughout its whole course, within the range of 
cannon shot from the river. It was recommended that, should 
the enemy attempt to follow our trains in force, two signal offi- 
cers be placed upon a gunboat, to be sent up the river to attack 
them. Of these officers, one landing and taking a position 
whence the enemy could be seen, could direct upon them the guns 
of the vessel, although the troops upon whom the fire was turned 
might be visible to the gunners. The flagship of the fleet now 
lay off Harrison's Landing. Communication was opened between 
that vessel and General Headquarters. Officers were stationed 
to make it permanent. 

The roof of the Harrison mansion offered the most elevated 
position on which to establish a station o-f observation. A detail 
of men was set to place thereon a temporary staging, and to clear 
away the tree-tops, which interfered with the view. 

It was now late in the afternoon of what had been a dark, rainy, 
and uncomfortable day. Tlie rear of our trains had arrived 
within two miles of their destination. A force of the enemy fol- 
lowing and getting in range, opened upon them with two pieces 
of artillery. 

The teamsters were becoming anxious and alarmed — the roads 
were full ; and there was danger of a confusion which might cost 
us the loss of a large number of wagons, with their stores. A 
message was sent, by order of General McClellan, to the Flag- 
officer of the fleet, to notify him that the enemy were annoying 
the rear of the trains, and to ask that a vessel move up to repel 
them. The distance and position were given. 

The " Maratanza " was signalled, from the flag-ship, of the duty 



71 

required, and steamed off immediately. The second shot from 
her 11-inch gun fell close to the enemy's battery. It was hastily 
withdrawn. The staging on the mansion was so far completed, 
on this night, as to be fit for use. The detachments of the sig- 
nal party, with the exception of those officers and men on the 
gunboats, had rejoined, and the party was, this night, encamped 
near General Headquarters. 

The morning of the 3d of July was dark and cloudy. The 
camping ground at Harrison's Landing is surrounded by creeks 
and swamps, and the heavy rains, with the tramplings of thou- 
sands, had converted the ploughed fields into morasses of mud. 
It was difficult to move between camps on foot ; or from one part 
of the army to another. Everything was wet, cold, and uncom- 
fortable. The greater mass of tlie army lay in the open grounds 
which surround Harrison's mansion. Some of them were weary 
with the ceaseless marchings and fightings of the past week, and 
were confused and depressed by movements which they did not 
understand. There was that unsettled condition of affairs which, 
must always attend the movements of so great an army, made 
nndcr the circumstances in which ours had moved from the Chicka- 
hominy, and marched and fought its way to the James. 

About 8 o'clock, the report of a gun, and a shell whistling into 
camp, indicated the presence of the enemy, and excited attention 
everywhere. From the station on top of the mansion, the smoke 
of the gun could be seen rising above the trees, in the direction 
of and beyond Westover church. Other shots followed, the 
shells, falling nearer, and the enemy seemed to be advancing 
slowly. Some time elapsed. The fire continued : forces, sup- 
posed to be the enemy, could be seen showing themselves in the 
open ground near the church. Our men began to grow restless. 

Exaggerated rumors came in from the front that the enemy, in 
three strong columns, were advancing upon our position. The 
Commanding General had gone on board of one of the trans- 
ports and had not yet returned. The flag-ofiicer commanding tlie 
fleet signalled to know what was the matter, and whetlier the 
Navy could render any assistance. A reply was sent at first that 
it was the enemy, and that the Commanding General was on 
board the "Ariel." And then a message that if a gunboat was 



72 

sent a mile down the river, the smoke of the enemy's guns could 
be seen from her decks. 

At this time the Commanding General reached the flag-ship with 
the "Ariel ; " was informed of the facts, and came at once on 
shore. Having signalled from the vessel the fact of his coming, 
and a reply to a question about preparations. The whole army 
was under arms to meet the enemy, the men moving out cheer- 
fully for the anticipated battle. Two signal officers had been 
sent to the front with instructions to proceed as far as possible 
to reconnoiter, and to report to the station on the mansion. 

The Chief Signal Officer was now ordered to see that communi- 
cation was kept with the vessels of the fleet, and to establish a 
station connecting this communication with a point near the 
position which the Commanding General took on the field. A 
few moments later the guns of the war vessels down the river 
were heard as the fire opened upon the woods where the enemy 
had been seen, and presently a couple of rounds from a field piece in 
front silenced the enemy's guns. A signal message, sent from 
the front to the Mansion station, asked that tlie gunboat down 
the river might cease until our forces could reconnoiter the posi- 
tions lately held by the enemy. This message was sent to the 
flag-ship. It could not be signalled from the shore or the flag- 
ship instantly to the vessel engaged, and her fire was kept on 
the woods. 

A squadron of our cavalry, sent on the reconnoissance, came 
in sight of her officers, and the guns were at once trained upon 
them as enemies. Fortunately, one of the signal officers, detailed 
for the station at the front, had accompanied the reconnoissance. 
His signals were recognized on the vessel. Communication was 
opened, and the gunboat fire ceased. The reconnoissance showed 
no enemy in our front in force. A dispatch reporting the result 
was signalled from the officer who had accompanied the recon- 
noitering party to the General Commanding. An hour or two 
later the camp had resumed its quiet. 

On this day, the detachment of four officers, with their men, 
Avho had been at White House during the evacuation of that 
place, reported for duty. 

On the night of the 4th of July, the Commanding General had 



73 

received information which induced the belief that an attack 
would be made upon our position by the whole force of the rebels 
on the following da3\ The Chief Signal Officer was instructed to 
so arrange communication that the gunboats, stationed to cover 
the right and left flanks of the army at points respectively about 
two miles above and two miles below the Mansion station, should 
be in communication with that station ; that from this station 
communication should also be had to the flag-ship and as far 
towards the front as was practicable. Stations were also to be 
arranged on each flank of the army on shore, communicating 
thence to the flanking gunboats. Lieut. Fisher was instructed 
to arrange the shore stations. Lieut. Stryker was sent to post 
the officers on the fleet. 

On the morning of the 5th, all the preparations had been made. 
The enemy, however, did not advance the attack. There was 
no engagement. 

These stations were afterwards adopted as permanent stations, 
and were held thereafter for the forty-one days our army lay at 
Harrison's Landing. The accompanying map and report (papers 
N, H) will illustrate the positions. 

A week later, the positions at Harrison's Landing had become 
so strong that anticipations of an attack by the enemy had 
ceased. The army awaited reinforcements to resume the offensive. 
The officers of the signal corps, wearied and exhausted by three 
months of constant movement and labor, (many of them sick from 
diseases incident to the climate and brought on by exposure,) 
were, with the exception of those on the permanent stations, 
gathered into one camp that they might be rested. 

The party was re-equipped and re-organized ; its members had 
profited by the experience they had gained in the field, and after 
a few days of repose were ready again for service. 

At midnight, on the 30th of July, the enemy, who had crept 
down after dark with two batteries, opened fire from the right 
bank of the James river at two points ; one opposite the Mansion 
station, the other opposite Westover, upon the encampment of 
our army and the transports in the river. A report of the posi- 
tion of their batteries was made by the officers on the Mansion 



74 

station, and was sent to the General Commanding just at the 
close of the bombardment. 

During this cannonade the officers on the stations on our right 
flank were on the alert. The gunboat " Maratanza," lying on our 
right, engaged the battery at Westover, and drew its fire. The 
foretop in which Lieutenant Paul Babcock, Jr., 7th New Jersey 
vols., and acting signal officer, had posted Idmself, was struck by 
a cannon shot while that officer was calling the flank station on 
shore with his lights. 

Tlie stores-camp of the signal party was for a time endangered, 
this night, by the shells which fell in it. A corporal of the party 
was killed, and one man wounded. 

On the following day, our forces occupied both banks of the 
James river. As soon as they had permanently established them- 
selves on the right bank, signal stations were posted, which 
placed them in communication with the signal Hues before men- 
tioned ; and, at the same time, enabled the fire of the fleet to be 
called at any moment, and to be directed to cover them. On the 
5th of August, in the temporary absence of the Chief Signal Offi- 
cer, Lieutenant Fisher was in command of the signal party of the 
Army of the Potomac. On tliis day. General Hooker, with two 
divisions, moved to reoccupy Malvern Hill. In the brief combat 
that followed. Lieutenant Camp, A. S. 0., posted on the field, at 
the Mellert House-, and over two miles inland, directed tlie fire of 
the steamer " Port Royal," on the position of tlie enemy at Mal- 
vern, and by his messages notified its commander of tlie progress 
of the action. He also first reported the retreat of the enemy. 

On the following day, a line of stations connected General 
Hooker's headquarters on Malvern Hill with General Head- 
quarters at Harrison's Landing, eight miles distant. 

Reinforcements were sent for by this line, and over it were 
passed the messages which directed some of the movements, and 
finally the withdrawal of the expedition. The reports of Lieu- 
tenants Fisher and Camp (Sub-reports, 24), herewith, have refer- 
ence to this operation. 

From the date of this expedition, until the 15th of August, (the 
time of the evacuation of Harrison's Landing,) there were no 



75 

operations of magnitude. There was the usual routine of mes- 
sages between the permanent stations, and across tlie river. 

On the day of the evacuation of Harrison's Landing, the sta- 
tion on the Harrison Mansion was one of the last points aban- 
doned ; and a party of two signal officers, with their men, served 
with the rear cavalry of the rear guard, under General Pleasan- 
ton, as the columns moved down the Peninsula. 

When tlio troops were gathered near Fortress Monroe, stations 
were posted at Newport News, and on that fortress, and these 
were worked until the army embarked for Alexandria, to take 
part in the campaigns then making in northern Virginia. 



The maps herewith exhibit, as nearly as is practicable, the loca- 
tion of the signal stations established during the campaign of 
which it has been possible to obtain record. The sub-reports of 
the acting signal officers are also submitted for the information 
to be gained from them. 

This main report has been drawn in the form of a narrative, in 
order that the General Commanding may have laid before him 
the circumstances under which the duties of the corps were at- 
tempted, and the labor which attended them. This has been 
necessary in a first report of this character. 

The Signal Corps of the Army of the Potomac was not, during 
the Peninsula campaign, so circumstanced as to be most effective. 
There was reason to regret, in almost every battle and position, 
the want of the field-telegraph trains so essential to the greatest 
usefulness of organizations of this kind. Appropriations for the 
other proper stores were first made by Congress at the end of 
February. The sums were not subject to the draft of the signal 
officer until May. The army was new. The duties of the corps 
were novel, and were understood by but few Generals in the 
service. The acting signal officers were all volunteers, without 
any experience in military usage. They had been hastily in- 
structed and equipped, and were thrown upon their first cam- 
paign in a country very difficult for their duties, and into battles 



76 

and operations of unusual magnitude. Tlicre were few at iirst 
who aided them, even when it was in their power. It was often 
difficult to obtain official information of contemplated movements. 
It was due to the good material selected from the State regiments 
for the corps, that, so situated, the officers and men "achieved on 
the Peninsula the success they did, and toiled willingly through 
unusual labor with a zeal and effect which attracted the attention 
of the General Commanding the army. 

(Signed) ALBERT J. MYER, 

Major and Signal Officer, U.S.A. 

To Colonel R. B. Marcy, ^ 

Chief of Staff. 



Mr '09 



